Let’s End Distracted Driving—Together
Every month, more than 275 lives are lost on our roads due to distracted driving. These tragedies are heartbreaking—and what makes them even harder to bear is the fact that they’re 100% preventable.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to recommit to safety behind the wheel. The American Trucking Associations’ Law Enforcement Advisory Board is urging drivers across the country to stay alert by putting their phones down, keeping their eyes on the road, and focusing solely on the task of driving. But truthfully, these are habits we should carry with us every day of the year.
Distracted driving comes in many forms. Whether it’s grabbing a quick bite, fiddling with the GPS, or switching a playlist, anything that takes your attention off the road is a risk. The most dangerous culprit? Cell phone use. Texting, scrolling, filming, and video watching behind the wheel have become dangerously common—and deadly.
At just 65 mph, looking at your phone for three seconds means you’re essentially driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. That kind of risk isn’t worth it. Every year, more than 3,000 lives are lost to distracted driving, with hundreds of thousands more left injured. Shockingly, about 1 in 5 people killed in these crashes aren’t even in vehicles—they’re pedestrians or cyclists.
We’ve all heard the saying: “Driving isn’t a right, it’s a responsibility.” That responsibility belongs to all of us. Parents should set a safe example. Lawmakers should strengthen distracted driving laws. Driving schools and licensing agencies should push awareness. And yes, even manufacturers can play a role by speeding up the rollout of crash-prevention technology.
For years, ATA has championed the ban on handheld devices for commercial drivers and has led educational campaigns to spread the message far and wide. Now, with support from the National Roadway Safety Strategy and programs like America’s Road Team and Share the Road, we’re working harder than ever to eliminate distractions and save lives.
This month—and every month—let’s commit to being part of the solution. Let’s focus on what matters most: the safety of everyone on the road. One small change in behavior can make a big difference. Together, we can reduce distracted driving and build a safer future for all.
For more information, visit the full article on the American Trucking Associations’ website:
https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/doubling-down-safety-during-distracted-driving-awareness-month