Simply Drive April marks the month of awareness for distracted driving in Alabama

In the NHTSA’s (NHTSA) most recent report on distracted driving In 2020, 3,142 motorists were killed and 324,652 were injured in distraction associated motor vehicle crashes all over the nation.

ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, “Distracted driving is the act of diverting one’s attention from the principal job of driving. This not only puts at risk security of drivers as well as the passengers in a specific vehicle, but it can also put motorists at risk. There are many of distractions that could take drivers’ attention away from driving and other road hazards, the most alarming distraction trend is the usage of mobile phones and other mobile devices while driving.”

In Alabama 1,844 accidents occurred because of distracted driving due to cellphones in 2020, and 1,972 crashes in 2019. In the law, as of Alabama statute, texts while driving while texting is prohibited.

Director of the ALEA’s Department of Public Safety Colonel Jon Archer said, “We offer the analogy that if you stare at your phone to write or text in five seconds and you travel at a speed of 55 miles per hour, you’ve already covered the equivalent of the football field. There’s no intention of hurting anyone however, if you’re involved in a collision that results in death or injury because of distracted driving, you’re likely to alter the life of a person and their family’s lives for ever, and the life of yours.”

The use of mobile phones and other mobile devices has been a major cause of most frequent distractions driving There are a number of other things motorists have to be conscious of. We strongly advise motorists to beware of the following when driving: drinking or eating and talking to other drivers while self-grooming, applying makeup or using a navigation device and changing the radio or the climate control. These are all equally risky and could lead to situations that could result in the possibility of a crash.

ALEA provides the following tips for preventing distracted driving:

For Drivers

1. Take your electronic devices off the table. Don’t use or reach for your devices when driving. By putting phones in “do not distract” mode will help you avoid the temptation to go online when you see a light turn red or to respond immediately to text messages.
2. Avoid multitasking. Whatever is occupying your thoughts or eyes could distract you when driving. Set aside time at home to take a meal or apply makeup so that you can concentrate on driving.
3. You should plan your route ahead of time before you set out. The process of programming your navigation system while driving can distract your attention away from the road. It is preferential to get a driver to complete the task or enter your destination before leaving your home.
4. Be aware of cyclists and pedestrians, in particular those who could be distracted.

For Parents

1. Set an model for young drivers and engage teens in discussions about the importance of responsible driving.
2. Be familiar with State’s Graduated Driver License Law (GDL). This information is available on the ALEA website.
3. Be sure to keep pets and kids in a safe environment. Be sure that your children are wearing appropriate car seats and pets remain within their designated area at the rear of your car. This can help to lessen distractions when pets aren’t wandering around in the car.

For Passengers

1. Be vocal. If you spot people texting or driving distracted, make a statement and let them know you’re not happy with the conduct. Instruct your kids to be the same thing when they’re passengers in a car with a friend. It could save lives.
2. Request to make the phone call for the driver, so that his or her focus is focused on the road.

Join ALEA and make the commitment to never drive distracted in the present!