Technology has become so advanced and multitasking so common that the combination is hard to avoid, even while driving. Texting or scrolling through social media feeds has become a popular pastime for all ages but this new trend endangers drivers when it happens while they're behind the wheel. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month sponsored by the National Safety Council (NSC). Texting and driving can lead to preventable car wrecks, some of which are fatal. It is important to maintain focus on the road and your surroundings while in the driver's seat to avoid collisions and other unwanted circumstances. The NSC wants to empower the public to put safety first and Just Drive.
Types of Distractions
Distracted driving can be defined as any activity that takes the driver's attention away from the primary task of driving the vehicle. When texting or receiving a text message on a mobile device, a driver takes his or her eyes away from the road for a minimum of five full seconds, putting the vehicle, passengers and others nearby at risk.
Some examples of distractions while driving:
- turning around in the driver's seat to talk with other passengers
- fighting or having rowdy conversation with kids or other passengers
- fidgeting with the radio
- putting on makeup
- drinking and eating
- reaching for objects
- texting, surfing your mobile browser or taking phone calls
Any and all non-driving activities taking place at the same time as the vehicle is being operated will increase the chance of a collision. Eliminating distractions in your vehicle will reduce the chance of incidents occurring as a result of distracted driving.
Collision Statistics
Distracted driving is extremely dangerous, claiming nearly 3,477 lives in 2015 and injuring 391,000. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 660,000 drivers use cell phones while driving. Receiving a text notification can make it tempting to check your phone, even while steering so try turning the volume off on your mobile device before getting into your vehicle. Accidents involving fatalities as a result of texting and driving are on the rise. Many states now have laws against texting, talking on a cell phone, and other distractions while driving to help manage the epidemic. The NHTSA reported that 14% of fatal distracted driving crashes involved a cell phone in use at the time of the wreck. There is no way to drive safely unless the road has your full attention. This being said, try to minimize the distractions around you, such as noisy kids' toys or YouTube videos until you have reached your destination safely. You and your passengers are precious, irreplaceable cargo, and hence, precautions must be taken to ensure complete car safety. We support the NSC's efforts to avoid distracted driving and want all of our customers to arrive safely at their destinations. If there's a crack in your windshield or an issue with any of your vehicle's windows that is distracting you while you drive, do not hesitate to contact Glass America today.