This post was sponsored by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ “Decide to Drive”distracted driving awareness program, in partnership with the Auto Alliance, to remind you to always “decide to drive.” More info at DecideToDrive.org.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety.
What are drivers doing?
Drivers snack, primp, make calls and text while driving. They program their navigation systems, read maps… I’ve even seen people reading books or the newspaper in traffic. Really? Yikes! Even something as simple as adjusting the radio takes a drivers eye off the road.
Do not do any of these activities while driving.
What are drivers missing?
Consider what drivers might be missing when distracted? A child running after a ball, a girl riding a bike, a stop sign. The outcome of missing any one of these things can be disastrous to those both inside and outside the vehicle.
There are so many things a driver can miss when they are distracted.
Consider the consequences of distracted driving
If a driver causes an accident while distracted, consider the ramifications. One could take away amazing moments like these from a family. The next time you might be having distracted behaviors behind the wheel, remember the moments in your life that you would not want anyone to take away from you.
The best way to end distracted driving is to educate others about the dangers it can create. Spread the word. Tell your friends and family to think about their behaviors behind the wheel.
Do you know someone who is a dangerous driver but you’re too afraid to tell them? Send him or her the “Wreck-less Checklist” anonymously through DecideToDrive.org. Your friends will know someone who cares about them thinks they might need it but the email will come directly from Decide to Drive.
Best Safety Features
A Cars Best Safety Feature is THE DRIVER! Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel and #DecideToDrive!
Get involved with this great cause. Share it on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Keep up with other great posts by using the #DecideToDrive hashtag too.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
My son recently said “MOM! Don’t text and drive, ‘member that commercial? You could DIE”
I never realized what I was doing, just reading a text, or looking down to see what the ‘beep’ was on my phone.
I’ve made it my priority to pay closer attention to my driving. (though I may check that beep or text when I’m at a stop light!) I notice soo many people literally NOT looking at the road, going across double yellow lines, almost hitting people because of being distracted.
It’s definitely great to remember the IMPORTANT stuff, like what could happen because your too impatient to wait to check your phone.
Thanks for the reminder!
Awesome post! We all need to remember this
Great post and wonderful graphics to illustrate a super important message.
Thank you so much for this great reminder. I am so terrible sometimes at focusing, really anywhere but with driving its so hard. This is a great campaign. I’m glad you’re promoting it. Very important
These are such great reminders. If only everyone (including this guilty gal) would adhere to it, I think there’d be such an improvement in the numbers of accidents, etc. Thanks for sharing!
Such an important message. I can’t believe some of the behaviors I see in cars. A life altering event can happen in an instant and a car is 2000lbs often moving too fast to stop in time.
It’s vital to pay attention!
I have two teenagers who will start driving this year. This is a conversation I have had with them many times.
I keep snapping myself out of different things while driving. Maan, it is hard, but I swear I am working on it
This is a great post! I totally am one of those that used to get frustrated sitting in the car for long periods of time. It felt like I was wasting my time and I was always wishing I could be doing something else – checking emails, fixing my makeup, whatever. Now, for long trips I get a book on tape and make sure to be fully immersed in driving and nothing else. – Katy
I completely agree, we already tinker with our stereos enough, and that is a BIG distraction let alone focusing on an entire phone conversation or reapplying makeup. I have been really trying to keep my hands on the wheel at all times lately. It is hard when you’ve been at a red light for a while, or are in traffic, but it’s even harder to pull yourself away from the distractions once it’s time to drive again!
With so many teenagers and young adult drivers in my family, distracted driving is a hot topic. I am heading over to check out this site now. Thanks!
Awesome post! I wish people would take driving serious, we have lost to many people because they wish to take their eyes off the road for senseless stuff. GREAT POST!!
You know, I wish there was some way we could make cell phones inoperable while a vehicle is in motion. Some people just won’t learn and they are putting too many innocent lives at risk.
I just saw a documentary last night on texting while driving and how devastating it can be. I have been guilty of putting on makeup when driving and that is how I had an accident. Thank goodness no one was hurt.
What an important post subject. So many lives have been lost due to distracted driving when it was so avoidable. This is a very relevant cause to join up with.