The National Safety Council (NSC) has launched a graphic new advertising campaign as it recognizes April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The observance seeks to bring further awareness to the dangers of driving while talking on the phone, even when hands-free, and other dangerous distracted driving habits. Drivers are urged to get educated and share with others the dangers of cell phone distracted driving, to recognize that hands-free devices are no safer than others, and to understand the dangers of cognitive distraction to the brain.
Driving is a complex task that requires eyes on the road and complete concentration. Drivers who are talking on the phone or otherwise cognitively distracted can fail to see up to 50 percent of their driving environment, including stop signs, pedestrians and red lights. The NSC is offering some of the following statistics, along with the ad campaign, to raise awareness:
- Driving while talking on your cell phone is a deadly distraction, even if you are using a hands-free device. The National Safety Council estimates that almost 25% of all car crashes involve cell phone use.
- Multi-tasking while you are driving is impossible. Drivers need to have their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel and their mind on driving.
- Using voice-to-text applications is no safer than typing texts by hand while driving.
- Drivers can be equally distracted by dashboard entertainment features, back-seat drivers or other passengers, and more.
You can visit the National Safety Council Distracted Driving Awareness Month page for a host of valuable data, resources and handouts. The Council is even asking drivers to sign a pledge to drive cell free.
Do you frequently talk on your cell phone while you drive? Do you think you are safer when using a hands-free device? What will you do to avoid distracted driving this April, and beyond?
