April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the National Safety Council urges all people to be attentive behind the wheel. Since its inception 12 years ago, Distracted Driving Awareness Month aims to bring attention to this deadly issue and ways to combat inattentive driving throughout the year.
According to preliminary estimates, more than 46,000 people died in preventable crashes on US roads in 2021, a 9% increase over 2020. While causation is not yet detailed, reckless behaviors such as speeding, lack of seat belt use and distracted driving continue to plague our roads.
Mobile devices and in-vehicle systems are often the culprits in distracted driving incidents, while other distractions, such as interacting with passengers, eating, fatigue and stress, contribute to these crashes.
Everyone has witnessed an instance of distracted driving. We see it every day, whether we are behind the wheel, a passenger, riding a bicycle, or even walking. I urge us all to take responsibility for our driving and refuse to be distracted. For the good of all, drivers must put safety first and focus on driving.
Distracted driving kills more than 3,000 people per year, or approximately eight people each day. That’s eight parents, children, friends and co-workers, and this number is severely underreported. Yet, many people continue to drive distracted despite the known dangers and threats it brings to our roadways. The consequences are deadly.