On the website of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov) the definition of distracted driving is “any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving”. These types of distractions include: texting, using a cell phone or smartphone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading (including maps), using a navigation system, watching a video or adjusting a radio, CD player or MP3 player.
A survey done by the NHTSA found that at any moment during the day 660,000 drivers were using a cell phone – either to talk or text. This number has held steady since 2010. Some people believe that a “hands-free” device is safer, but this is simply not true. A person is still distracted by the conversation itself.
Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.
Because of these facts, there are now 46 states and Washington D.C. (including Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and Mississippi) to ban texting while driving. (Currently no state has banned using the cell phone while driving.) Fines range from $25.00 to $100.00, plus the court costs. However, it is difficult for officers to see if drivers are actually texting while driving or simply using the phone to talk.
Laws had to be established to force people to wear seatbelts for their own protection (Click It or Ticket). After the public awareness of this safety measure and the writing of many tickets for this offense, it has helped to prevent injury or death. So the new campaign slogan is “Stop Texts – Stop Wrecks”. Such a simple statement that can save so many lives. Such a simple way to also help prevent injury or death. Think about it the next time you get behind the wheel. No distracted driving.
