To mark the start of April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, AAA is urging the public to recognize the deadly consequences of inattention behind the wheel. As the incidents of distracted driving increase across the country, Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as an important reminder to all motorists of the potentially fatal risks that can be caused by texting, talking on the phone, or using other mobile apps. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,275 people were killed and more than 324,000 were injured in distracted driving crashes in 2023—an average of nine deaths and nearly 900 injuries every day.
“Distracted driving has become one of the deadliest behaviors behind the wheel, and it’s claiming lives every day,” said Jim Garrity, director of public affairs, AAA East Central. “Anything that diverts your focus away from the road reduces your chances of reaching your destination safely. No call, text or email is worth the risk.”
When a motorist takes their eyes off the road for just five seconds while driving at 55 miles per hour, it’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. AAA and law enforcement are committed to reinforcing distracted driving laws and promoting safer driving habits.
According to the latest AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, most drivers (93%) recognize the dangers of texting, emailing, and reading while driving. However, many drivers reported sending a text/email (27%), reading a text/email (37%), or holding and talking on a phone (36%) while driving in the past 30 days.
To stay focused behind the wheel and help prevent tragedies, AAA recommends motorists:
- Utilize the Driving Focus feature on smartphones to minimize distractions.
- Pull over safely to make a call or send a text.
- While a passenger, speak up if the driver of the vehicle is distracted.
- Put phones out of sight to reduce temptation.
- Program GPS before starting a trip, not while driving.
- Ask passengers for help with navigation, calls, or texts.
- Don’t be a distraction—avoid calling or texting others while they’re driving.
For more information about AAA’s #ActionAgainstDistraction pledge campaign, read stories of lives impacted by distracted driving, and watch PSA’s and a distracted driving documentary called “Sidetracked,” visit AAA.com/DontDriveDistracted.
AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 69 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. AAA East Central provides services to its members including Automotive, Insurance, Discounts & Rewards, Financial, and Travel. Find out more about AAA Membership and current savings here.
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