Unfortunately, there are many things that can distract us when driving. Driving safely requires:

• your eyes on the road
• hands on the wheel
• full attention and focus on the task at hand

National Safety Council observes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month to draw attention to this epidemic.

Please share this message with all staff.

Types of Distracted Driving

By its very nature, driving demands a lot of your attention (if not all of it). No matter how experienced you are, the more you become distracted while driving, the more risk of getting into a car accident grows.

When it comes to understanding and avoiding distracted driving, it's best to look at the three types of driving distractions:

Manual: Eating, drinking, smoking, adjusting vehicle controls, searching through your purse or wallet

Visual: Checking or changing your GPS, changing the radio station, taking in the view instead of watching the road

Cognitive: Talking on the phone, emotional stress, road rage, daydreaming

Texting While Driving

Texting while driving is an especially dangerous habit, as it falls under all three types of distracted driving!

While texting, you are distracted:

Manual: As you type your messages rather than keep your hands on the wheel and ready to react.

Visual: As you look at your phone rather than the road and your surroundings.

Cognitive: As you concentrate on your conversation rather than driving.

Up for the Challenge?

Take the Pledge to drive cell-free. You can pledge to your children or other loved ones that you will be an attentive driver. Share your pledge on social media if you like.

Additional Information

For more information and resources on distracted driving, visit Distracted Driving Awareness Month sponsored by National Safety Council.