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Watch the road instead of your phone

Posted
Woman texting and driving

Distracted driving is a national epidemic.

More than 3,000 people are killed and another 387,000 people are injured every year in crashes involving a driver whose full attention isn’t on the road. Whether it's texting or applying makeup, distracted driving puts lives at risk.

CONSIDER THESE FACTS:

  • At any moment during the day, about 660,000 U.S. drivers use phones or other electronic devices.
  • Of the drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes, 11 percent reported they were distracted.
  • Drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be in a crash or near collision.
  • Texting — or even looking at a text — takes a driver’s eyes away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. That’s about the time it takes to drive the length of a football field at 55 mph.

Distracted driving cuts across all age groups. A recent survey by Safe Kids Worldwide and American Baby magazine found that 78 percent of moms with children younger than 2 said they have talked on the phone while driving. A quarter of those moms also said they have sent texts or checked emails while behind the wheel.

Distractions go beyond texting or talking on a phone. They include:

  • Eating and drinking
  • Grooming
  • Reading, including maps
  • Talking to passengers
  • Using a navigation system
  • Watching a video
  • Adjusting a radio or CD player
Texting is now a primary offense in Florida, meaning police can pull over drivers if they see them texting. 
 

Drivers need to ensure they are free from distractions and encourage family members and friends to do the same. If you need to make a call or text, pull over and park in a safe place.

SOURCES:

• Safe Kids Worldwide
• American Baby magazine

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Related resources

    • Safety

    Safety Council of Palm Beach County

    Non-governmental, nonprofit organization offering local safety programs, services and education materials to reduce health hazards and prevent injury for both personal and economic loss, including information for teen drivers and child safety. Programs include Behind the Wheel Driver Education; Baby In Back! and Mobile Eyes, which provides $100 to anyone who calls 911 to report a dangerous or erratic driver and identifies themselves as a Mobile Eyes caller.

    561-845-8233 Website
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    Safe Kids Palm Beach County

    Local child safety information and assistance, including car seat installation, bike helmet fitting, poisoning prevention, TV tip-over prevention and more

    561-841-3500 ext. 4011 Website
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    Safe Kids Worldwide

    National resources to protect children from preventable injuries

    202-662-0600 Website