The Risks of Distracted Driving.

The risks of driving while distracted are apparent as I drive to work every day. Hearing about crashes caused by distractions makes it ever more evident of the risks that come with the use of cellular devices and simply not paying attention while driving. I can remember feeling pure panic when I was on a trip in middle school as the driver decided to read a newspaper while we were driving down the interstate. Even then I knew that this was wrong and wanted to yell at him, “Hands on the Wheel.”

During my drive to work every day it is not uncommon to see someone driving and text messaging. Sometimes even sitting at red lights I try to guess what game the person next to me in playing on their phone. It also is not uncommon to see a mom turn around in the seat to tell her kids to stop fighting, this is something I have witnessed more than I can even express.

Driving and actually holding my cellphone is not something I practice. Not only is my phone rather heavy now that I have a heavy-duty cover on it, but I tend to from habit use a hands-free set.

Which I find these are rather handy. I mean I see tons of people using them these days and it seems people don’t think others are talking to themselves in stores any longer when they see them using them. Don’t you just love technological advances like these that make life safer and easier?

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Auto Alliance want to increase awareness about the risks that come along with distracted driving. Distractions while driving are very risky such as using a cellphone, reading, etc. The Decide to Drive campaign aims to empower drivers and passengers to raise their voice about distracted driving, continuing the conversation at home, work and play, and also reducing distracted behaviors behind the wheel.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA), of the nearly 33,000 roadway fatalities in 2012, there were 3,328 fatalities and approximately 421,000 injuries in distracted driving-related crashes. Orthopaedic surgeons, the specialists in charge of repair damage and putting bones and limbs back together after road crashes and tramsas–along with their partners, Auto Alliance, would rather help all drivers “decide to drive” each time they get in the car and to keep bones and limbs intact.

Remember, the most advanced safety feature in a vehicle is the driver. The AAOS and the Auto Alliance urge all drivers to keep themselves engaged at all times: eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. Also the Decide to Drive Catchphrase Contest in ongoing and I encourage all of you to enter! This contest will end on June 13th, so you have plenty of time to participate! Click here to enter!

What are your thoughts? What distractions do you see effect other drivers?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.