Distracted Driving Awareness Month: What You Need To Do To Stay Safe On The Road
Post Date - Apr 26, 2022
We know it’s tough to stay focused and not be distracted while driving but it’s never been more important than now to commit to it. USA Truck makes safe driving a priority every single day but during April, which is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we join National Safety Council and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in encouraging drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
Deadly distractions
Back in 2010, Congress passed a resolution to create a special month devoted to increasing awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, which has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. It was a tragic distracted driving accident that inspired one mother to talk to her representative about increasing awareness of the dangers of distraction. Shelley Forney’s daughter was riding her bike when she was struck and killed by a distracted driver. Today, there seems to be an endless list of distractions such as talking on the phone or to others in the car, setting your navigation, adjusting what you’re listening to, drinking coffee, applying makeup, and so on. These everyday distractions can lead to disaster.
Making safety a priority
USA Truck’s professional CDL-A truck drivers participate in continuous education on safe driving practices and being accountable for their actions on the road. As a matter of fact, accountability is one of our core values stating, “Accept responsibility for our actions. Make and support business decisions through experience and good judgment. Realize that safety beats ROI.”
According to law enforcement agencies across the country, drivers from USA Truck and other carriers help them on a daily basis by reporting dangerous drivers. Truck drivers are exposed to the same unsafe behavior as everyone else so it’s in their best interest to intervene by giving police the heads-up. One aspect of safe driving that challenges all truck drivers is watching out for others who are not watching.
Drive Responsibly
Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a good time to regroup and take responsibility for the choices we make when we’re on the road.
There are three main types of distracted driving:
1. Visual: taking your eyes off the road
2. Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
3. Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
Be aware of the ways you’re distracted and do what you must to eliminate them. Here are some suggestions for a safe ride every time:
- Texting – If you absolutely must send a text right now, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Or designate your passenger as your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
- Social media – This is in the “MUST NOT” category. Do not scroll through social media apps while driving even for a quick glimpse of who “liked” your recent post. Social media is too immersive to do even for a moment while driving.
- Multi-tasking -- Do not multitask while driving. Whether it’s adjusting your mirrors, selecting music, putting on make-up, eating, making a phone call, or reading a text or email―do it before or after your trip, not during.
- Technology – If you struggle not to look at or engage with your cell phone while driving, you can use an app that blocks calls or texts while a vehicle is in motion. Or simply put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
Your friends at USA Truck want everyone to be safe on every road trip and get home to your loved ones. Take a minute to examine your driving practices to be sure you’re as focused on driving as our professional drivers are. They’ll be looking out for you too!