April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and from Virginia to California, the traffic safety community has a simple message for drivers: One Text or Call could Wreck it All.
DOT has worked hard for several years to end the deadly epidemic of distracted driving. But to kickoff this month, I want to thank the States for their efforts in this important safety fight.
In California, where texting and talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving are against the law, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies will crack down on drivers text messaging and talking on their cell phones behind the wheel. Is the California law working? Just two years after the state's ban went into effect, road fatalities had fallen 22 percent.
California's Office of Traffic Safety also has a terrific campaign to educate drivers: "Don't be a zombie behind the wheel." As CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said, "Every distraction affects a driver’s reaction time, and things can change without notice. Distractions change a seemingly good driver into a zombie."
Our warmest congratulations today, from everyone at DOT, go to West Virginia. In visits to three different high schools, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will sign the state's new texting and hand-held cell phone ban. The new law makes texting behind the wheel a primary traffic offense starting in July. Talking on a hand held cell phone will be a secondary offense beginning in July of this year, but in July 2013, that becomes a primary offense as well.
When the law takes effect, West Virginia will become only the 10th state--plus DC, Guam, and the Virgin Islands--to ban both texting and hand-held cell phone use while driving. And it's terrific that Governor Tomblin is taking the signing ceremonies to high schools, where he will be joined by friends and family of those affected by tragic distracted driving crashes; our youngest drivers need to appreciate that no text or call is worth sacrificing safety.
And even though the state doesn't ban specific distractions, officials from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office say that law enforcement agencies will be watching closely this month and giving citations to drivers operating distractedly. As Sgt. Ryan Hunnicutt of the Ardmore, OK, Police Department said, "The types of accidents caused by distracted driving can be the worst we see. The accidents caused from you not paying attention so you don't have a chance to react and suddenly you're in an oncoming lane of traffic or you've hit a tree--these crashes are usually very severe."
Anyone who has watched one of DOT's Faces of Distracted Driving videos knows exactly what Sgt. Hunnicutt is talking about.
Thanks to all of the state DOTs and law enforcement agencies for promoting road safety, this month and every month. And, if you know of an organization taking steps to spread the safe driving message this National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, please post a comment below, and help them get the recognition they deserve.
To learn more about the dangers of distracted driving and what you can do to prevent this deadly behavior, please visit distraction.gov.
What DOT is doing is great! Texting while driving is today definitely a treat number one on the road. It has become the cause for many accidents and unfortunate dead. Our drivers often tell us about cases where texting has caused accidents, and also they see distracted driving all the time on the road.
We at Montway Auto Transport promote road safety and encourage customers to obey the road laws and regulations. We always tell them that our drivers may be late, but this is only because they consider safety first and follow the rules on the road at all times. We will promote April as a Distracted Driving Awareness Month on our blog and social media channels.
Great efforts of DOT side!
Posted by: Vasi Atanasova | April 03, 2012 at 05:10 PM
What DOT is doing is great! Texting while driving is today definitely a treat number one on the road. It has become the cause for many accidents and unfortunate dead. Our drivers often tell us about cases where texting has caused accidents, and also they see distracted driving all the time on the road.
We at Montway Auto Transport promote road safety and encourage customers to obey the road laws and regulations. We always tell them that our drivers may be late, but this is only because they consider safety first and follow the rules on the road at all times. We will promote April as a Distracted Driving Awareness Month on our blog and social media channels.
Great efforts of DOT side!
Posted by: Vasi Atanasova | April 03, 2012 at 05:10 PM
Love the zombies!
Posted by: Gilbert | April 03, 2012 at 06:21 PM
It's great to see DOT and the States bringing awareness to this important issue. It's a serious issue that hasn't received enough publicity. Please drive safely without the distractions!
Posted by: Jessica | April 03, 2012 at 11:37 PM
Every day it seems more and more people are forgetting the cell phone laws here in California and Nevada. There's also been some research to say that cell phones aren't the only problem, people need to also be in the right state of mind to drive. There's nothing worst then an angry driver on his self phone weaving through traffic. Calm down get in the car and focus on driving. I will be sure to link back to this article for the reads of my blog and mention distracted driving awareness month.
Posted by: DMV Practice Test | April 04, 2012 at 04:33 PM
I again salute Secretary LaHood for doggedly promoting the campaign against distracted driving. I also hope that we realize sooner rather than later that only with serious and professional driver training, by which I mean training in vehicle load/energy transfer and how vehicles actually behave once driver attention is lost, however momentarily and unskilled driver responses are triggered, is critical. We are a nation of very poorly trained drivers -- nothing generally beyond barely learning by memory "rules of the road."
Posted by: Robert Curry | April 04, 2012 at 10:05 PM
California has gone overboard. My friend was pulled over for eating an apple while driving. Anything to get more revenues.
Posted by: Sad State | April 05, 2012 at 12:01 PM
Driving is a huge responsibility that must be learned in steps and practiced over and over. We have to drive safely, obey the traffic laws, and respect the rights of other drivers. Not only should we concentrate on our own driving, we should also be well aware of the other vehicles around us. Driving safely also includes how and where we park our car. Passengers in our car put their safety in our hands and expect us to drive safe as well.
We shouldn't be stressed, tired, or distracted; driving should be our only focus. We need to be both mentally and physically capable of controlling our vehicle.
It is our responsibility, as a driver, to know the laws governing driving privileges. driver improvement course will helps us a lot.
Remember, driving is a privilege, NOT a right. Finally, safe driving requires a good attitude. http://www.icaredriving.com/
Posted by: Driver improvement | April 05, 2012 at 11:46 PM
Driver awarness should be for EVERY ONE including the law inforcement officers the law states that your are to use a hands free unit to use your phone while you are driving CDL driver can be fined up to $2700.00 if cought texting or with the phone to his ear I cant tell you how many sate and local law enforcment officers I see driveing thru towns and highways with a phone stuck to thier ear's I have had them cut in front of me not useing a signal because they had a phone to thier ear dosent seem rite does it ? are they above the law?
Posted by: joe ervin | April 15, 2012 at 07:40 AM
I was hit by a texting driver and two years later, I'm still learning to walk correctly and lost driving because of my leg and foot injuries. Too much hardware prevents movement of my foot. I am lucky to be alive and walking, but I will never be the same.. I can't chase and play with my grand kids or work or play. I have to have an assistant everyday to help me live in my house The man texted ,totalled both vehicles and he walks away, while I am being punished for his stupid.mistake... Please don't drive and text
Posted by: Debbie | May 05, 2012 at 01:27 PM
So you know how it is illegal to text and walk on the sidewalk in Philadelphia? So would it be illegal then to use those telephone entry things like this you see outside of most apartment complexes
Posted by: John Mac | June 05, 2012 at 03:47 PM
I support to DOT for his well planning and awareness program for careful driving. DOTS encourage drivers to refrain from engaging in non-driving activities while on the road, particularly cell phone use and texting. Also planned outreach campaign is designed to raise awareness of the horrible consequences of distracted driving. Thanks for beautiful idea.
Posted by: ca shuttle bus | June 06, 2012 at 04:11 AM
Nice work DOT. We are currently looking to add more material to our "Safe Shipping" and "How To Become a Transporter" Guidelines that highlights the importance of proper cell phone usage in transit. I'm hoping the DOT is planning to do this every year - as it's something that needs to be communicated consistently.
Posted by: Brad Carr | August 27, 2012 at 06:55 PM
Increasing the awareness of drivers about safety in driving and on the road is a good move! DOT should really strictly enforce the law to avoid troubles on the road. Any distraction while driving can be of a life or death situation, which is why increased awareness is a must!
Also, we have to be responsible in parking our car. Reckless drivers should really read this post to enlighten them. Passengers are at risk if a driver fails to comply with road safety. Even auto transport companies should abide with the safety on the road. In particular, people should seek for a company that provides the best auto transport quote. In that way, they can be sure of having a great service that can optimize road safety.
Always remember that safe driving can save thousands of lives.
http://www.integrashipping.com/
Posted by: IntegraShipping | November 26, 2012 at 11:00 PM