How to Avoid Distractions While Driving and Practice Safe Driving
Distracted Driving Campaigns and Laws to Increase Driver Safety
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT, two out of three drivers admit to driving while distracted. Experts agree that this poses a safety threat for drivers. By making more drivers aware of the dangers of distracted driving, and providing guidelines to increase safety, this can decrease accidents and save lives.
In 2009, the Department of Transportation held its first Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C., to explore and investigate possible solutions. The event included government officials, wireless and automotive industry experts, traffic safety representatives, advocates for Traffic Safety, and families of distracted driving accident victims.
U.S. President Barack Obama was present at the Distracted Driving Summit and enforced a new executive order telling federal employees to not use cell phones or text while driving.
DOT has created a website on the issue of Distracted Driving called distraction.gov.
Worldwide Laws Banning Cell Phone Usage and Text Messaging While Driving
In the United States, Washington was the first state to ban text messaging while driving in 2007.
As of 2014, 44 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands prohibit test messaging for all drivers.
In different locations and countries worldwide, including Jamaica, Dubai, Bermuda, India, South Africa and the Philippines, laws are already in place or are in progress to prohibit use of cells phones and text messaging while driving.
The map below show states in the U.S., as of 2010, with texting while driving laws. The states in red ban texting while driving for all drivers.
Common Driving Distractions
- Eating
- Talking on Phone
- Texting
- Changing the Radio Station
- Putting Makeup On
- Combing Your Hair
How to Stop Distracted Driving
- Cultural and individual behavior changes need to take place; although it is a gradual process, it starts with parents educating their children about how to be a safe driver, and setting an example is the best way to show children how not to text.
- Whether you are a bus driver, parent, new teen driver, or an experienced drive, be a good role model, especially when children and teenagers are in the car; everyone watches how you drive, so when you drive safe, others will notice.
- As more awareness is raised through Distracted Driving Campaigns, Safety Driving Summits, as well as local agency communication and enforcement, drivers will realize how important it is to NOT text and drive.
- Motor clubs are collaborating with transportation departments and industry leaders to help prevent distracted driving by posting educational videos, and offering programs like DriveWise to encourage safe driving. DriveWise is a program where a small device is installed in your car to monitor speed, braking patterns and other statistics and then rewards safe drivers with a discount on their car insurance.
Insurance Companies Like Allstate Have Challenges to Educate and Stop Distracted Driving
Distracted Driving Poll
Do you text and drive?
Sources: AAA World, Metro Kids Pennsylvania, Distraction.gov, http://www.ghsa.org, http://handsfreeinfo.com
This is Hub #16 of 30 of my 30 Hubs in 30 Days Challenge.
