The Dangers of Distracted Driving: Keep tabs on the road. Not your phone.

Distracted driving continues to be a major threat on the road, claiming thousands of lives each year, and is illegal in California. April is Distracted Driving Prevention Month.

While many may associate distracted driving with texting, it's not just about phones—distractions can include eating, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, or even daydreaming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, distracted driving was responsible for nearly 3,300 fatalities.

Motor vehicle collisions are our number one mechanism of injury as a trauma center.

When driving, every second counts. Taking your eyes off the road significantly increases the risk of accidents, even for a few moments. The consequences can be devastating for everyone involved. Most text messages or phone calls can wait. If you are expecting a text message or need to send one that can’t wait, pull over and park your car in a safe location before using your device. Using a cell phone while driving, like all other forms of distracted driving, is a risky driving behavior that poses a danger not only to vehicle occupants but pedestrians and bicyclists.

If you are struggling to not text and drive, activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

Safety Tips for Passengers

• Speak up if your friends are texting while driving - tell them to stop.
• Offer to make calls or respond to messages for the driver.

Let’s all commit to being more aware behind the wheel. Put down the phone, keep distractions to a minimum, and be attentive. Your life, and the lives of others, depend on it.

For more information, visit: www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.

Stay safe, stay focused,

Trauma Services Injury Prevention Program