Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a time to remind drivers of the dangers of taking their eyes, hands, or mind off the road. Distracted driving is a serious problem that claims thousands of lives and injures hundreds of thousands of people every year in the United States.?According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 3,142 people in 2020, an increase of 8% from 2019 (1).?In Louisiana, distracted driving was a factor in 8% of fatal crashes and 14% of injury crashes in 2020 (2).

Distracted driving can be any activity that diverts your attention from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, adjusting the radio or GPS, grooming, or talking to passengers. Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions because it involves visual, manual, and cognitive distractions at the same time.?Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds, which is enough time to cover a football field at 55 mph (1).

Distracted driving is not only risky for yourself but also for others on the road. You could cause a crash that injures or kills another driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist. You could also face legal consequences, such as fines, points on your license, or even criminal charges if you cause serious harm or death. In Louisiana, it is illegal for drivers of all ages to use a handheld device to write, send, or read text messages while driving.?It is also illegal for drivers under 18 and school bus drivers to use any wireless device while driving (3).

The good news is that distracted driving is preventable. You can take charge of eliminating distractions and focusing on the road ahead. Here are some tips to help you drive safely and responsibly:

• Before you start your trip, make sure you have everything you need, such as directions, music, snacks, and drinks. Adjust your seat, mirrors, climate controls, and sound systems before you hit the road.
• If you need to use your phone for any reason, pull over to a safe place and park your car first. Or better yet, turn off your phone or put it in silent mode and out of reach while driving.
• If you have passengers with you, ask them to help you with navigation, music selection, or other tasks that might distract you. If you are driving with children or pets, make sure they are properly secured and have everything they need before you start driving. If they need your attention during the trip, pull over to a safe place and park your car first.
• Avoid eating and drinking while driving. If you are hungry or thirsty, stop at a rest area or a drive-through and park your car before consuming anything.
• Follow the speed limit and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Driving too fast or too close can reduce your reaction time and increase the severity of a crash.
• Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing and expect the unexpected. Assume that other drivers might do something unpredictable or dangerous and be prepared to avoid it.
• If you see someone else driving distractedly, keep your distance from them and stay alert. Do not try to confront them or honk at them as this might distract them further or provoke them.

At Rice & Kendig, we care about your safety and well-being on the road! We also understand that accidents can happen even when you are driving carefully and responsibly. If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver in Northwest Louisiana, we are here to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate attorneys.

1. Distracted Driving Dangers and Statistics | NHTSA
2. Distracted Driving | Transportation Safety | Injury Center | CDC
3. Distracted Driving Statistics in 2023 | The Zebra