SALEM, Ore.-April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and local law enforcement, Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) want all drivers to stay safe.
Distracted driving has become an epidemic on America’s roads, with cell phone use the main culprit in crashes that killed 3,275 people in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving,” said Mindi McCartt, with ODOT.
According to ODOT data, between 2018 and 2022 there were 27,841 crashes due to distracted driving in Oregon, which resulted in 207 deaths, however, the numbers may be underreported because it can be hard to determine if distraction was the primary cause of a crash.
“Even a moment of distraction behind the wheel can change a life forever,” said McCartt. “Whether it’s a text, a bite of food, or a quick glance away, it’s never worth the risk.”
Law enforcement will have an increased presence on roadways April 10-14 as part of a national Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The goal of the campaign is to remind drivers of the physical dangers and legal consequences of distracted driving.
Driving distracted can cause lane departure, braking too late, missed traffic signals and slowed reaction times as drivers look at screens or take their eyes off the road for other reasons.
“Taking your eyes off the road for just one second while driving 55 mph means you’ve traveled 81 feet blind—that’s nearly the length of a semi-truck,” according to McCartt.
ODOT tips to avoid distractions while driving
- Put your phone in the glovebox or somewhere out-of-reach and use a hands-free device if you must take calls while driving
- Enter GPS coordinates and select your music before driving
- Do not eat or handle pets while driving
- If you have to deal with something while driving, such as an important call or text or an issue with your child, pull over safely to the side of the road to do so
Throughout April the NHTSA is encouraging drivers and passengers to take action, including taking a pledge to not drive distracted that can be shared on social media.
“Staying focused means staying safe—for you and everyone on the road,” said McCartt.
