April's Safety Topic - Distracted Driving
Did you know?
April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking. By driving distracted, you’re robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.
Oregon Distracted Driving Statistics
- “Distracted Driving” is a dangerous behavior for drivers, passengers, and non-occupants alike. Distraction is a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention from the driving task to focus on some other activity instead (per NHTSA).
- From 2017-2021 there were 26,264 crashes resulting in 194 fatalities and 24,264 injuries caused by crashes involving a distracted driver in Oregon (all ages).
- From 2017-2021 there were 2,005 crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities and 1,775 injuries caused by drivers reported to have been using a cell phone at the time of the crash.
- From 2017-2021 there were 125 crashes involving a driver aged 16-18 reported to have been using a cell phone at the time of the crash: 0 fatalities and 188 people injured.
- From 2017-2021 there were 60,519 convictions for this offense.
Please remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility. If you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s the only thing you should be doing; No distractions! If your driver is texting or otherwise distracted, ask them to stop and focus on the road.