Steer Clear: Distracted Driving Dangers

There is usually less than 24 inches between you and the car coming at you or driving next to you on the roads. That is a very small margin of error.

My next-door neighbor’s grandson was driving recently and dropped his cell phone. Briefly breaking his concentration from the road, he reached for the phone. This caused him to swerve into the shoulder – he lost control and now may never walk again. 

I have heard about so many accidents due to distracted driving. About 9 Americans die every day due to auto crashes caused by distracted driving. This is truly a preventable issue – there are a lot more statistics that will make you second guess texting and driving. I can’t emphasize enough how much YOU MATTER!!!

Please put your phone down – leave it in the trunk, in your purse, in a cupholder, or in the back seat. There is nothing that needs your attention more than the road does when you are behind the wheel. If your kids are acting up and distracting you – pull over. Taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds at 55mph is the same as travelling the length of a football field without looking.

Our kids are watching how we drive and we are setting the example for what to do. When they start to drive, they may imitate what we do. Our kids see us on our phones when driving, and then they think when they start driving that they can do it too. As dangerous as it is for anyone to use their phone while driving, for new drivers with little experience, it is even riskier.

Be a better example – when you are behind the wheel, drive! Do not play with your radio or text unless you have software that can help you (Apple car play, voice assistant, distracted driving apps). Again place your phone in an out of the way place, so you are not tempted to use it.

Some of our carriers will even give you a credit to sign up for the driving programs that monitor this. If you are interested in more information please give us a call.