If you haven’t heard, April has been designated
as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Even before April starts, though,
you can begin making an effort to become a less distracted driver. Here’s how:
Take the Pledge
In Florida, texting and driving is banned by
secondary law, meaning the law can only be enforced if you are pulled over for
another driving infraction. Handheld as well as hands-free cell phone use while
driving is permitted in our state. However, just because it is legal to talk on
your phone and drive does not mean it is safe.
According to data provided by the Florida Department of
Transportation, between 2011 and 2015, there were 994 people killed and 15,236
people seriously injured in distracted driving crashes. Often people do
not realize the extent a distraction can have on their ability to drive. For
example, the average text takes a person's eyes off the road for five
seconds. At 55 mph, that is long enough to travel the length of a football
field.
One great way you can make a difference is to take the
pledge.
Through this pledge, you are saying that you will not have phone conversations,
text, use social media, or send emails while driving. You will also avoid other
activities, such as taking selfies or inputting destinations in your GPS. Along
with that, you can pledge to be an example to others. When you are a
passenger, encourage the driver to avoid distractions. And always avoid calling
or texting someone you know is driving.
Honoring the Pledge
While it might seem difficult at first to honor your pledge
to go cell phone-free while driving, there are several things you can do to
make your pledge easier. If you know your phone is going to be a distraction,
turn the sound off, and put it somewhere where you will not be able to reach
it.
If you feel a call or text requires an immediate response,
have a passenger respond. You can also find a safe location where you can
respond to the message. Even if you are on the highway, you can find a place to
pull off the road as Florida has 64 designated
"Safe Phone Zones" where drivers can use their phones, including a few
in the Tampa Bay area.
Get Rid of Other Distractions
While cell phones often get the reputation for being the
cause of accidents, they are not the only driving distraction.
Driving distractions can be categorized as visual, manual, and cognitive. All
three distraction types should obviously be avoided. This can be done by:
- Getting enough sleep before a trip
- Avoiding changing the radio station or other
music
- Not turning around to talk to passengers
- Not eating or drinking
- Keeping your focus, both physically and
mentally, on the road
As we prepare for Distracted Driving Awareness Month, figure
out what distracts you most as a driver, and make a goal to eliminate that
problem. Of course, eliminating driving distractions is just one of the ways
you can be safer behind the wheel. Another way is to get a vehicle with great
safety features, such as the
Chevy Malibu. Examples of some of the features available on newer Malibus include back-up
cameras, muted audio when the front seat passengers are not buckled, front automatic
braking, and Lane Keep Assist. The Malibu has also been an Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety
Top Safety Pick every year since 2010!
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