The next time you get into your car, look around and you will see many distracted drivers doing everything from putting on makeup, texting on their cell phones, adjusting the radios/navigation, or turning their head around to look for something in the back seat. In fact, you may be guilty of doing this as well; however, April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and it’s time to take initiatives to stop being distracted while driving. Take the pledge to reduce distracted driving and #JustDrive.
Statistics don’t lie! According to the NHTSA, 3,142 people died in 2019 due to distracted driving which was an increase from the year before. As a society, we need to do better. While young people ages, 16 to 24, seem to the most unfocused and tend to utilize their cell phone while driving more than their older counterparts, there are all ages of drivers out there right this second that are preoccupied with their phones or something else when they should be just driving.
Take the Pledge to #JustDrive by Following Some Safety Tips:
All through the year, you need to be aware that distracted driving can cause fatal accidents, but since this is distracted driving awareness month, take a moment to review some safety tips that will help reduce distracted driving:
Put Your Phone Away- Nothing is that urgent or important that you should be behind the wheel texting, scrolling through social media, or sharing photos. If you do receive a text, either have your passenger read it and/or reply (if necessary) or pull over to a safe location and send the text. Taking your eyes off the road for a second can be detrimental to the safety of you and others on the road.
Download teenSMART- if you have young drivers in your household, this is a great tool to help reduce the chances of an accident by 30% if your young driver completes the course successfully. It is downloadable software that simulates driving situations that can be hazardous and provides exercises and activities that focus on safe driving. Many insurance companies may even offer reduced premiums once they know the young driver(s) have successfully completed the program. Contact your local Alabama independent insurance agent for details.
Take the Pledge- You can participate in a campaign called U Drive. U Text. U Pay. Campaign which states you agree to avoid texting and driving and pledge to follow safety procedures while driving. Also, you agree to speak up if you see someone texting and driving.
Remind Your Loved Ones- If you are riding as a passenger in a vehicle and the driver is texting or being distracted, let them know to pay attention to the road and stop texting and using their cellphone.
Reduce Distracted Driving – #JustDrive
When you get behind the wheel of a car, just drive. Everything else can wait and will be there when you reach your destination. You can actively spread the word by letting your friends and family know about distracted driving as well as sharing it on social media. Our goal at Burkett & Associates is your safety when driving. If you have any questions or concerns about distracted driving, call our offices at 256-704-7400 and we will be happy to assist you with all your Alabama auto insurance policy needs.
