April is distracted driving month

What is Distracted Driving?

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

Because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most risky distraction.

The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans, parents and teens alike, about the danger it poses. Talk with your teen about the danger of distraction. Include discussions about types of distractions and strategize ways to avoid them. Stress not only texting while driving with your teen driver but also discuss other types of distractions.