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.

Just gotta do it? or do you......

This picture is pretty self explanatory, so I should not have to say more.........


Be safe and put down that phone while driving!! or die!

Leslie

We just want to "Arrive Alive" join us on April Fools day....

Please watch the videos and think the next time you text and drive!!!

April 1, 2011 is the the "Only Fools Text & Drive Day" - The Mommies Network is spreading the word that texting and driving is for fools! Watch the video - Share it with your friends & turn on your headlights to show your support. Vlingo has partnered with TMN to bring you an application for hands-free texting, emailing, searching and more. Watch the video for details on how to get this app for FREE! Share this!! please 

Arrive alive!! It can wait!! 

Leslie~~ crazy ER nurse and mommy of 3

ER Nurses Care to Spread the word about "Texting and Driving"

 

Tragedy strikes everyday and as an ER nurse I get to witness first-hand some of those tragedies that involve children. As a mom myself I want to protect my kids and arrive alive to my destination, so as tempting as it is to pull out my smart phone and text, I don't. The times I have tried to just look down briefly or type on my iPhone almost landed me in the ditch, scared me enough to stop. Watch this video, these kids have a very good point, it can wait!!! If it is such an emergency then pull over, send your text and then get back on the road.
Please help me support The Mommies Network which I am so proud to be a part of for several years now. Pass this on to everyone you know and some you don't.
Because the next Fool in the car texting and driving could kill you and your kids!!!
~~~Leslie~~~

Texting while Driving (very graphic video)

As the parent of a teen this video upsets me greatly, as an ER nurse I know the importance of sharing this with others. I read that texting while driving can increase your chances of a crash 23 times more! so why do it? Watch this with your teens after you watch it yourself and talk to them honestly about the consequences of making poor choices. If you are a parent make sure that your choices are good ones, you are always being watched. At my house we always say 'monkey see monkey do" and that is so true for little eyes that watch what we do and do the same thing. Stay safe and keep your kids safe ;)
~~Leslie~~

***I will warn you, this is graphic and might not be suitable for some****