- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2010 driver distraction was the cause of 18 percent of all fatal crashes – with 3,092 people killed – and crashes resulting in an injury – with 416,000 people wounded.
- Forty percent of all American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger, according to a Pew survey.
- The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted.
- Eleven percent of drivers aged 18 to 20 who were involved in an automobile accident and survived admitted they were sending or receiving texts when they crashed.
Distracted driving endangers life and property and the current levels of injury and loss are unacceptable.
What you can do
Give Clear Instructions – Give teen drivers simple, clear instructions not to use their wireless devices while driving. According to Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, the easiest way to say it is: “On the road, off the phone.” Before new drivers get their licenses, discuss the fact that taking their eyes off the road – even for a few seconds – could cost someone injury or even death. Driving is new to them anyway, so help them learn new habits, such as turning their cell phones off before they get behind the wheel. Parents listen to me for a moment, I'm a retired police officer. I've had to knock on many doors in my career and tell parents the tragic news that their child is dead. Killed in a motor vehicle collision. It's the worst part of the job.
Lead by Example – Children learn from their parent’s behavior. No one should text and drive. Be an example for your children and if you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a safe place. Everything you do in the presence of your child, you are teaching them. If they see you turn your phone off before getting behind the wheel, or if you pull off the road to use your cell phone, then you are teaching them and showing them how important safe driving is.
Become Informed and Be Active - . Set rules for yourself and your household regarding distracted driving. Tell family, friends and organizations to which you belong about the importance of driving without distractions. Take information to your children’s’ schools and ask that it be shared with students and parents. Become an advocate yourself. Help save lives by informing other parents and reminding them how important this matter is.
