do your part to prevent dangers of distracted driving

Do Your Part to Prevent Dangers of Distracted Driving

October 2011

The first week of October is the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety’s (NETS) 2011 Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW). The event is run in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation and encourages businesses to focus on the dangers of distracted driving with their employees.

But what is distracted driving? It can be a variety of things including using a mobile phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, reading, grooming or even just changing the radio station.

The Department of Transportation classifies distractions into three categories:

Visual — taking your eyes off the roadManual — taking your hands off the wheelCognitive — taking your mind off what you’re doing

The Hard Facts about Distracted Driving

1. Distractions Increase The Risk of Accidents - A number of studies have been done on the issue and the crash statistics related to driving distractions are alarming. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2009, 20 percent of injury crashes

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2. Thumbs Belong on the Steering Wheel at All Times

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that drivers who use hand-held mobile devices are four times as likely to get into serious car accidents. A University of Utah study reports that using a cell phone while driving delays the reactions of a driver as much as having a blood alcohol level of .08 percent.

Some states, such as Michigan have made it illegal to text and drive, costing drivers a $100 ticket if they are found texting behind the wheel.

3. Staying Awake is Not Optional

Another category of distraction is drowsiness. There are 56,000 accidents annually cited by police from fatigue. The causes vary, but sleep loss, medications, sleep disorders and alcohol are all factors and increase the risk of drowsy driving.

For DSWW, employers are encouraged to talk with their employees and share safe driving tips for both drivers and passengers. Here are some tips to focus on to help drivers keep distractions to a minimum: • Do not text while driving or have a designated call taker, maker or texter• Don't drive drowsy, avoid alcohol and using drugs• Increase following distance and always buckle up• Avoid loud music, using cell phones, and interruptions from passengers

For car owners who don’t have an employer taking part in the program, they can find resources about the topic at the Department of Transportation website distraction.gov and the National Safety Council’s website www.nsc.org.

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