April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month and motorists are being encouraged to drive “distraction free”.
AAA says Michiganders should minimize distractions when driving.
The agency reports driver distractions come in many forms, with eating, drinking, personal grooming, adjusting the radio, using a cell phone, text messaging, other passengers among them
AAA says taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles your risk of a crash.
Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Distracted drivers kill thousands of people every year,” adding “If you’re not focused on driving, you’re endangering the lives of everyone on the road. Please put the phone down and eliminate any other distractions when you get behind the wheel.” End quote.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
400,000 people are injured in distraction-related crashes every year, more than three thousand pepole were killed nationwide in 2020 and 47 distracted driving crashes resulted in 51 fatalities in Michigan in 2020.
Distracted driving is especially dangerous for people walking, biking or otherwise outside of a vehicle. According to NHTSA, nearly one in five distracted driving deaths were non-motorists.
AAA encourages drivers to fully focus on driving, keeping attention on the road, they say you should put aside electronic distractions and encourage motorists to not use cell phones unless for emergencies and make adjustments before you start driving, like shifting seats and mirrors.
You can find more information at AAA. Com
