The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This event is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage motorists like you to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving Overview

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving refers to any activity that may divert a motorist’s attention from the road. There are three main types of distractions that can interfere with drivers’ attentiveness behind the wheel, including:

  • Visual distractions—These distractions involve motorists taking their eyes off the road. Some examples of visual distractions include reading emails or text messages, focusing on vehicle passengers, looking at maps or navigation systems, and observing nearby activities (e.g., accidents, traffic stops or roadside attractions) while driving.
  • Manual distractions—Such distractions entail motorists removing their hands from the steering wheel. Key examples of manual distractions include texting, adjusting the radio, programming navigation systems, eating, drinking or performing personal grooming tasks (e.g., applying makeup) while driving.
  • Cognitive distractions—These distractions stem from motorists taking their minds off driving. Primary examples of cognitive distractions include talking on the phone, conversing with vehicle passengers or daydreaming while driving.

Regardless of distraction type, distracted driving is a serious safety hazard that contributes to a significant number of accidents on the road. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 2,800 people are killed and 400,000 are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver each year—equating to approximately eight deaths and 1,095 injuries per day. Considering these findings, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent distracted driving.

Distracted Driving Prevention Tips

Whenever you get behind the wheel, keep these distracted driving prevention measures in mind:

  • Put away your phone. Silence your phone and store it in a location that is out of reach while driving to lower the temptation to check it.
  • Plan your trip before you leave. Program your navigation system prior to hitting the road to get familiar with your journey and feel confident in your route.
  • Don’t fumble with your playlist. Select a radio station or plug in a predetermined playlist before driving to limit the need for music adjustments.
  • Secure passengers. Ensure kids are properly situated in car seats (if needed) with seat belts fastened. Keep pets stationary in the back seat.
  • Avoid multitasking. Never complete additional tasks—such as eating or personal grooming—behind the wheel.
  • Stay focused. Concentrate your mind on the road by keeping distracting conversations to a minimum and looking straight ahead.
This document is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. © 2023 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Guilford, CT 06437
203-458-4000
501 Main St, Monroe, CT 06468
Surety | Suite 2D | 203-445-8388
Business & Personal Insurance | Suite 101 | 203-268-9999
377 Main Street
Unit 103
Niantic, CT 06357
860-652-3235
127 Norwich Rd
Plainfield, CT 06374
860-564-3315
363 So Center Street
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
860-652-3235

 

229 Main Street
Milford, MA 01757
508-473-4045
182 Main Street, Suite 202
Northampton, MA 01060
844-923-7873
300 Main Street
Oxford, MA 01540
508-987-0333
195 Lake Ave,
Worcester, MA 01604
508-969-1786

 

70 Tanner Street
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
800-220-3434

 

6 McMaster Street, Suite 2
Owego, NY 13827
607-687-3444
14 Columbia Circle, Suite 204
Albany, NY 12203
518-477-5150
300 Plaza Drive
Vestal, NY 13850
607-754-1411
418 Waverly Street
Waverly, NY 14892
607-565-2872

 

68 National Drive
Glastonbury, CT 06033
860-652-3235
1110 Boston Post Rd
Guilford, CT 06437
203-458-4000
501 Main St, Monroe, CT 06468
Surety | Suite 2D | 203-445-8388
Business & Personal Insurance | Suite 101 | 203-268-9999
377 Main Street
Unit 103
Niantic, CT 06357
860-652-3235
127 Norwich Rd
Plainfield, CT 06374
860-564-3315
363 So Center Street
Windsor Locks, CT 06096
860-652-3235
229 Main Street
Milford, MA 01757
508-473-4045
182 Main Street, Suite 202
Northampton, MA 01060
844-923-7873
300 Main Street
Oxford, MA 01540
508-987-0333
195 Lake Ave,
Worcester, MA 01604
508-969-1786
70 Tanner Street
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
800-220-3434

 

6 McMaster Street, Suite 2
Owego, NY 13827
607-687-3444
14 Columbia Circle, Suite 204
Albany, NY 12203
518-477-5150
300 Plaza Drive
Vestal, NY 13850
607-754-1411
418 Waverly Street
Waverly, NY 14892
607-565-2872