Eyes On The Road {infographic}

                      Source: zautos.com via NCDOT on Pinterest

Are you the distracted driver?

WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?
Credit article Distraction.gov


 Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:
Texting Using a cell phone or smartphone
Eating and drinking
Talking to passengers
Grooming
Reading, including maps
Using a navigation system
Watching a video
Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction. The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans about the danger it poses.
On this page, you'll find facts and statistics that are powerfully persuasive. If you don't already think distracted driving is a safety problem, please take a moment to learn more. And, as with everything on Distraction.gov, please share these facts with others. Together, we can help save lives. Got questions? Ask!

Key Facts and Statistics

• In 2010, 3092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and an estimated additional 416,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.
• 18% of injury crashes in 2010 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.
• In the month of June 2011, more than 196 billion text messages were sent or received in the US, up nearly 50% from June 2009. (CTIA)
• 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
• 40% of all American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put people in danger. (Pew)
• Drivers who use hand-held devices are 4 times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.(Monash University)
• Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted. (VTTI)

• Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the 
• equivalent-at 55 mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind. (VTTI)
• Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use. (VTTI)
• Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%. (Carnegie Mellon)

FREQUENTLY ASKED

QUESTIONS

The best way to help fight distracted driving is to get educated, and this page is a great place to start. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions that will help you better understand the safety threat posed by texting and cell phone use on America's roadways.

Is distracted driving really a problem?
Distracted driving kills. The friends, family, and neighbors of the thousands of people killed each year in distracted driving crashes will tell you it is a very serious safety problem. The nearly half a million people injured each year will agree.




What is distracted driving?
Distraction occurs any time you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off your primary task: driving safely. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.
If it's so dangerous, why do people do it?
Some people still don't know how dangerous distracted driving is. Others know about the risks of texting and talking while driving, but still choose to do so anyway. They make the mistake of thinking the statistics don't apply to them, that they can defy the odds. Still others simply lead busy, stressful lives and use cell phones and smartphones to stay connected with their families, friends, and workplaces. They forget or choose not to shut these devices off when they get behind the wheel.
Who are the most serious offenders?
Our youngest and most inexperienced drivers are most at risk, with 16% of all distracted driving crashes involving drivers under 20. But they are not alone. At any given moment during daylight hours, over 800,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cell phone.


Sending or reading one text is pretty quick, unlike a phone conversation - wouldn't that be okay?
Texting is the most alarming distraction because it involves manual, visual, and cognitive distraction simultaneously. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field, blindfolded. It's extraordinarily dangerous.
Is it safe to use a hands-free device to talk on a cell phone while driving?
So far, the research indicates that the cognitive distraction of having a hands-free phone conversation causes drivers to miss the important visual and audio cues that would ordinarily help you avoid a crash.
Why doesn't the U.S. Department of Transportation make distracted driving illegal?
Passenger car driving behavior falls under the jurisdiction of the individual states, so the U.S. DOT can't ban it. Congress has considered a number of good laws to prevent distracted driving, but unfortunately nothing has passed yet. However, many states have stepped up to pass tough laws against texting, talking on a cell phone, and other distractions. You can visit our State Laws page to learn about the laws in your state.
What else can DOT do to prevent distracted driving?
Even though we can't make texting or talking on a cell phone while driving illegal, we have been pretty busy. Please visit our DOT Action page to learn more.
What can I do to help?
We're glad you asked! You've already taken the first step by visiting this site and learning about the dangers of distracted driving. The next thing you'll want to do is protect yourself.Take the pledge to drive phone-free and turn your cell phone off when you turn your ignition on. And if you're a passenger, make sure your driver does the same. If you want to do more, please take a look at our Get Involvedsection - we've got plenty of ideas to get you started.

Don't Drink and Fly.....or drive....or scoot

Need I say More!! 

Be Safe! 

Have Fun! 

Drive Smart

Designate a sober driver! 

Watch for kids tonight!

Jacqueline Saburido will inspire and change you

Jacqui's story of strength and courage has got to be the one story that has always
stuck in my mind as I teach kids and teens out in the community and as I work busy weekends in the ED. Every time I have shared her amazing story and pictures with others it makes such an impact, I know for sure that many kids have been touched by her courage and by the life changing outcome of the driver who was drunk. Jacqui inspires everyone who meets her now or hears her story.
I love the reactions I get with teens in a full classroom as I show the before and after pictures of Jacqui, the shudders and squeals in horror of her face right after the crash, and the condition of that car. It makes such an impact and makes them think, this is real!! drinking and driving can actually hurt someone! and a normal person can be so stupid to crawl into a car, make one poor choice............only one......drive while under the influence of a substance and totally change the life of another person.

Please watch Jacqui's story, I know it is long, but do it for her, show it to your kids and your friends.

 

Jacqui's Commercial from Faces of Drunk Driving on Vimeo.

The Crash: September 19,1999~~
Natalia Bennett and four friends were headed home from a birthday party in West Austin. Her front seat passenger was Jacqui Saburido. It was a little past 4 in the morning on Sunday, September 19, 1999. Reggie Stephey, 18, also was on his way home. He had been drinking.

Less than a mile from his driveway, Reggie drifted across the center stripe and hit Natalia’s car head on. Natalia Bennett and Laura Guerrero died at the scene. Jacqui suffered third degree burns over 60% of her body after the car caught fire.

This is the most powerful image, that makes you think about life!

This one impacts the most teens.

The Driver » Reggie Stephey

Reggie Stephey was a senior at Lake Travis High School outside of Austin. A self-described jock, he had hopes of going to college on an athletic scholarship. But those dreams disappeared when he wound up drinking beer with friends and tried to drive home.

He drifted across the centerline and crashed his SUV into a car with 5 people. Two died on the spot, and Jacqui Saburido almost burned to death when the car caught fire.

Reggie was convicted of two counts of intoxication manslaughter and sentenced to seven years in the state penitentiary.

He was released in 2008 and lives in Austin, Texas. 

Reggie was a normal high school kid, not into trouble, a football player that wanted to go to college and play football. His dreams came to a very fast halt when he chose to

get into his SUV and drive.....................after drinking...............a very poor choice! 

Read more here  http://facesofdrunkdriving.com

Visit Jacqui's page to see how you can help her http://helpjacqui.com/

  deardrunkdriver.com/jacqui.htm

Will you think twice now about driving unsafe, intoxicated or under the influence of

any substance at all, even prescription meds that are sedating can cause this! Think before you drive! Call a ride home! Save a life, might be your own! 

4th of July Fireworks, keeping your fingers and piggy toes

Well here we are another holiday, and more fun!! cookouts, family time, swimming, beach going all the usual summer time 4th of July activities. Fireworks has to be the favorite of my family, how about yours? How many times as a parent have you worried about your child while you were shooting off fireworks in your neighborhood, or even your yard. Depending on what state you live in or how far you are willing to drive and chance getting caught buying fireworks that are not so legal, depends on how safe you might just be at home or at that neighbors house. I thought a reminder on how dangerous fireworks can be would be in order for today. Because we all need to keep our fingers and hands to eat that summer cookout food, right? 

Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. The Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks is a group of health and safety organizations, coordinated by NFPA, that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.

Facts & figures

• In 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires, including 1,300 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in no reported civilian deaths, 30 civilian injuries and $38 million in direct property damage.
• In 2009, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 53% of 2009 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 42% were to the head.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children agres 10-14, with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

Click Here for Printable Safety Tips




VIDEO: A dramatic demonstration of the dangers of consumer fireworks, hosted by the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks (coordinated by NFPA) and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal's office. This video shows the damage that fireworks could cause a person standing too close to fireworks.

Click here for fireworks fact sheet

Credit to the NFPA for such great info about fireworks visit webpage here

Summer memories often include lighting sparklers and watching fireworks during 4th of July celebrations, however, hundreds of children are injured by fireworks each summer.
Fireworks can cause serious burn and eye injuries.  In 2010, 3,400 children under age 15 were injured by fireworks.  Of these injuries, over 70% occurred in the weeks surrounding July 4th.

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The safest choice is to leave fireworks to professional use.

• Children should never play with or light fireworks or sparklers.

• Adults who use fireworks should not use them around children.

Have a safe 4th of July!

Click here to take the Safe Kids Quiz

Please be smart this 4th of July and keep those fingers intact :) don't want to see you in the ER as another casualty that could have been prevented.
~~Leslie~~