Are You Aware? It Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month!

April 3, 2015

Put Your Phone Away Behind The Wheel

Just five years ago, only 18 states had laws that banned texting while driving. Awareness about the danger of distracted driving, particularly the brand of distracted driving that has you sending a text from behind the wheel, has increased. This is evidenced by the fact that today, 43 states have anti-texting laws.

Even with the progress that has been made, over 3,000 people still lose their lives each year because of distracted driving. Consequently, one of the most important safe driving tips is simple- put your phone out of reach when you put the key in the ignition.

Each year, the Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration name April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. They use this month as an opportunity to put forward nationwide, highly visible enforcement campaigns. The data that has been collected in California and Delaware shows that when advertising was paired with police enforcement around distraction laws, the use of hand-held mobile devices decreased by a third.

Do not be a part of the problem. When you get behind the wheel, put your phone on silent and out of sight. If you are especially tempted, consider putting your phone in your glove box. If, as a passenger, you see your driver reach for a phone do not be afraid to speak up. Together, we can put an end to distracted driving and save thousands of lives each year!

Did you know that safe driving can help bring your auto insurance premiums down? To work with an insurance agency that will ensure you are taking full advantage of this and other discounts, contact our Austin, Texas team at Central Insurance Agency. We want to reward you for your commitment to safety behind the wheel; call us today!