April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Palatine Fire Department is asking motorists to make a difference in 2019. Each day drivers around the country put themselves and everyone around them at risk by engaging in distracted driving. In 2015, ten percent (10%) of all fatal crashes were reported as distraction-affected crashes. This resulted in the deaths of 3,477 people and an estimated additional 391,000 people injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Drivers 15 to 19 years old have the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of fatal crashes (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, March 2017).
The Truths About Cell Phone Distracted Driving
Multitasking is a myth.
Cell phone users are four (4) times more likely to be involved in a crash.
Drivers talking on cell phones miss seeing half of what’s around them.
There is no safety benefit to hands free use.
Cell phone use is more distracting than listening to the radio or talking to passengers.
No cell phone use – calls, texts, social media or apps – is worth a life.
What you can do to make the ride safer
Turn it off.
Put it on vibrate and put it away.
Pull over if you need to make a call or text.
Have your passenger call or text for you.
Don’t let your teenage driver text and drive.
Be an example. Stop the texts, stop the wrecks.
The Palatine Fire Department reminds everyone that safe driving is everyone’s business. Pull to the right for sirens and lights. Wait for the emergency vehicle or vehicles to pass and then proceed with caution.
^^ MOBILE? USE VOICE MIC ^^
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Dislike! Always #JustDrive. pic.twitter.com/TRoUqSVNgI
— NHTSA (@NHTSAgov) April 2, 2019
In 2017, distracted driving claimed 3,166 lives. Don’t be a stat – be a safe driver. #JustDrive pic.twitter.com/ccHjHjCdz1
— NHTSA (@NHTSAgov) March 26, 2019