Washington Traffic Safety Commission Increases Patrols for Distracted Driving Awareness Month
April is Distracted Driving Awareness month. According to data from NHTSA, distracted driving killed 3,522 people in 2021 and 3,308 people in 2022. These numbers tell us that distracted driving is a big problem on our roads. Using cell phones for texting, calling, and social media is the most common type of distraction but there are other risky driving behaviors. These other behaviors can include changing the radio or GPS, applying makeup, and eating or drinking.
Distracted driving poses a significant danger due to diverting attention away from the road and increasing the risk of accidents. When drivers engage in distractions, their focus shifts away from important driving tasks. These tasks include observing traffic signals, anticipating road hazards, and reacting quickly to unexpected situations. These lost seconds can impair a person’s ability to make timely, informed decisions, thereby increasing the likelihood of car accidents.