The improvement of technology in today’s society has greatly benefited law enforcement and our society as a whole. However, improvements in technology have led to a serious threat on our roadways – distracted driving.
Dialing numbers on cell phones or typing text messages requires attention that should be paid to the task of driving. There are four main types of distraction: visual (taking your eyes off the road), auditory (hearing something not related to driving) manual (taking your hands off the wheel) and cognitive (taking your mind off what you are doing). While all distractions can endanger drivers’ and fellow motorists’ safety, texting while driving is the most alarming because it involves all three types of distraction. Shockingly, statistics show that texting while driving is just as dangerous as operating a motor vehicle while impaired.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it is estimated that 2,841 people were killed on our nation’s roadways and more than 400,000 were injured as a result of distracted driving in the year 2018.
Texting while driving has been proven dangerous beyond dispute. Taking one’s eyes off the road for the average 5-6 second text, is enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 MPH. It is clear that the dangers of texting while driving are serious. A life is more precious than taking a call or responding to a text message. It is imperative that we put the safety of others above our own need to access technology. If you feel the need to send that message, safely pull off the roadway first.
Teens can be the best messengers with their peers, so we encourage them to speak up when they see a friend driving while distracted, to have their friends sign a pledge to never drive distracted, to become involved in their local Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter, and to share messages on social media that remind their friends, family, and neighbors not to make the deadly choice to drive distracted.
Parents first have to lead by example, by never driving distracted, as well as have a talk with their young driver about distraction and all of the responsibilities that come with driving. Have everyone in the family sign the pledge to commit to distraction-free driving. Remind your teen driver that in states with graduated driver licensing (GDL), a violation of distracted-driving laws could mean a delayed or suspended license.
The men and women of the Lady Lake Police Department are committed to keeping you and your family safe. If you find yourself reaching for your cell phone while driving, take a second to think about the dangers you are putting yourself and others in before you pick up the phone. Ask yourself, is it really worth it? Please stay safe!
