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April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Every day, tens of millions of American’s get behind the wheel of a car, put on their favorite song, podcast, or talk radio show and drive off to their intended destination. The daily drive is a collective bond most of us share, and along with that bond we also share the roads and desire to arrive at our destination safely. Most of the time, we do arrive at our destination safely. Other times, we aren’t so fortunate and fall victim to the dreaded traffic accident.  

It’s common sense that not every collision and crash can be avoided. That’s why they’re called accidents,”we’re reminded. But unfortunately, not all collisions and crashes are accidents and a healthy percentage of crashes could be avoided if some drivers were paying better attention. That’s why each year, leaders across transportation, insurance, and public safety dedicate the entire month of April to Distracted Driving Awareness.  

The idea of distracted driving isn’t new to many of us, and some of us are likely guilty of it ourselves. That’s because driving distracted doesn’t just mean checking your phone or sending a quick text. Distracted driving also includes other distracting behaviors like tinkering with the vehicle’s settings or features, eating, applying makeup, and even something as audacious as reading the newspaper. All of these things, of course, are otherwise fine, just not behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. All of these activities can and do lead to avoidable accidents.  

Though accidents can range in severity, from the occasional minor fender bender to the devastating total loss, it would be better to learn and encourage safe driving practices to avoid a loss altogether. Especially since some losses can never be recovered, like the loss of a loved one to a traffic crash fatality. Even less severe crashes can have lasting effects, like permanent disabilities, dismemberment, brain trauma, and losses of economic opportunity. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one, a friend, or even an employee who drives often for you, it’s important to know the dangers of distracted driving and avoid dangerous distracted driving behaviors. 

 Here are some facts about distracted driving that we think you should know:  

  • Text messaging while driving increases the risk of an accident 23 times
  • Every day about 8 people in the United States are killed in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.
  • In the U.S. in 2018 alone, over 2,800 people were killed and an estimated 400,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.
  • About 1 in 5 of the people who died in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2018 were not in vehicles―they were walking, riding their bikes, or otherwise outside a vehicle.
  • Every day about 8 people in the United States are killed in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.

Here are some helpful tips we’ve put together to avoid becoming a distracted driving statistic:  

  • Keep your eyes on the road and off of your cell phone and infotainment system
  • Avoid multitasking, like eating, picking music, setting GPS destination, applying makeup, personal grooming
  • Use hands-free technology for GPS directions
  • Avoid using the phone and use hands-free technology if unavoidable
  • Be aware of your surroundings, including pedestrians, animals, and other unexpected roadway hazards like potholes and debris
    If you’re riding with a distracted driver, speak up and let them know that their life, your life, and everyone else you’re sharing the road with depends on their safe driving

 

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Interested in learning more about Worthy Insurance? Please email us at hello@worthyinsurance.comor call 773-945-9000. 

 

Worthy Insurance is a niche broker with a focus on providing insurance placement and risk management services to the Healthcare, Manufacturing, Social Service, and Main Street business communities. Here at Worthy Insurance, we love to provide you with exciting and fun articles to learn more about insurance and how it impacts your life. Visit our other blogs to find more information. 

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Sources:

Distracted Driving | Motor Vehicle Safety | CDC Injury Center

Learn the Facts About Distracted Driving (enddd.org)

Distracted Driving – National Safety Council (nsc.org)

Distracted Driving » Worthy Insurance