April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving is a very prevalent safety issue in North Carolina and throughout the country. This month is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the National Safety Council is trying to teach all drivers about the dangers of using cellphones and other electronic devices while driving.

Distracted driving continues to cause car accidents. In fact, one in four car accidents is attributed to a driver using a cellphone, according to the NSC. Using a cellphone while driving is very dangerous because it takes the driver’s attention away from the road.

While a majority of safety campaigns have focused on the dangers of texting while driving, all types of cellphone use while driving is considered dangerous. This includes using hands-free devices because it still diverts the attention of the driver to something other than driving.

Studies have shown that hands-free cellphone devices do not offer any safety benefits and are just as big of a distraction for drivers as regular cellphones. The NSC cited studies that have found that regardless of what kind of cellphone or device a driver is using, his or her attention is focused on a conversation instead of focusing on the road and where other vehicles are.

Distracted driving is a serious safety issue for all drivers, which is why April was designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Drivers should keep this in mind while driving and make an effort to reduce all of their distractions while driving, which includes putting down the cellphone while behind the wheel.

Source: EHS Today, “Keep Your Eyes (and Mind) on the Road: April is Distracted Driving Month,” Laura Walter, April 1, 2013