You may remember a road safety campaign called “Arrive Alive!”  It focused on safe highway driving to arrive at your destination without incident and safely.

Today this message continues to be important and with more focus on distracted driving. From cell phones to high-tech cars with multiple screens to distract us – it can be challenging to stay focused on – driving!

The CDC has statistics which are surprising.
31% of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 reported they have read or sent text messages or email messages while driving at least once within the 30 days before they were surveyed.

Although laws prohibiting texting have helped, accidents from distracted driving continue.

During this upcoming Spring Break when we’re on the road for longer trips with the family, we must keep our eyes on the road.

How is distracted driving defined?

• Taking your eyes off the road
• Taking your hands off the steering wheel
• Taking your mind off driving

What does distracted driving look like?

• Talking on the telephone
• Reading maps
• Programming or adjusting GPS devices
• Tuning to radio station and volume
• Inserting CD into players
• Listening to audio books – and making adjustments
• While taking someone on the road with you is a way to stay awake and alert, it can also be a distraction
• Eating and driving
• Putting on make-up, combing hair; personal grooming
• Traveling with unrestrained pets

Set your radio on your favorite station before pulling out for your trip. It’s also a good idea to have stations programmed for one-button selection. Keep eyes on the road.

How do we compare to other countries?
A CDC study compared the percentage of distracted drivers in the various European countries to those in the U.S.

U.S. – 31%
Belgium – 30%
France – 21%
Germany – 21%
The Netherlands – 25%
Portugal – 30%
Spain  – 15%
The UK  – 15%

Distracted driving happens everywhere.Driving defensively is important every time you get behind the wheel – no matter where you are.

Everyone can take steps to keep the road safe.  It’s important to think about not only your safety on the road but also take action to make and keep the streets, roads, and highways safe for everyone.

Steps for all drivers:

• Model safe behavior behind the wheel—never text and drive. Modeling good driving behavior is particularly the case when traveling with passengers who can be influenced by your behavior.
• Set a positive example for your teen by putting your cell phone away every time you drive.
• Always stay focused and alert when driving.
• Take the pledge—commit to distraction-free driving. Have others in your home take the pledge too.  Go a step further and make it a written promise.
• Speak out if the driver in your car is distracted. It’s your life.  Say something!
• Encourage your friends and family to designate their cars a “no phone” zone when driving.
• Spread the word—get involved in promoting safe driving in your community.
• Know and obey the laws in your state.
• If there are young drivers in your home, discuss what it means to be a safe driver and set ground rules for when they are behind the wheel.
• Make a family pledge and have other members in your family commit to distraction-free driving.

Bring everyone together and make an agreement – no distracted driving! Drive safe!!

For more information about distracted driving,  visit the CDCs website:  www.cdc.gov/Motorvehiclesafety/Distracted_Driving.