April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encourage motorists like you to minimize potential distractions behind the wheel.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, distracted driving refers to any activity that may divert a motorist’s attention from the road. There are 3 main types of distractions that can interfere with drivers’ attentiveness behind the wheel:

1. Visual Distractions 

   These distractions involve motorists taking their eyes off the road. Some examples of visual distractions include reading emails or text messages, focusing on vehicle passengers, looking at maps or navigation systems, or observing nearby activities (e.g., accidents, traffic stops or roadside attractions) while driving.
   
   

2. Manual Distractions

   These are distractions that involve motorists removing their hands from the steering wheel. Examples of include texting, adjusting the radio, programming navigation systems, eating, drinking or performing personal grooming tasks (e.g., applying makeup) while driving.
   
   

3. Cognitive Distractions

   These distractions stem from motorists taking their minds off driving. Primary examples of cognitive distractions include talking on the phone, chatting with other passengers or daydreaming while driving.
   
   

Regardless of distraction type, distracted driving is a serious safety hazard that contributes to a significant number of accidents on the road. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that more than 2,800 people are killed and 400,000 are injured in crashes involving a distracted driver each year—equating to approximately eight deaths and 1,095 injuries per day.

Considering these findings, it’s crucial to take steps to take these preventative steps every time you get behind the wheel.

• Put away your phone. Silence your phone and store it in a location that is out of reach while driving to lower the temptation to check it.
• Plan your trip before you leave. Program your navigation system prior to hitting the road to get familiar with your journey and feel confident in your route.
• Don’t fumble with your playlist. Select a radio station or plug in a predetermined playlist before driving to limit the need for music adjustments.
• Secure passengers. Ensure kids are properly situated in car seats (if needed) with seat belts fastened. Keep pets stationary in the back seat.
• Avoid multitasking. Never complete additional tasks—such as eating or personal grooming—behind the wheel.
• Stay focused. Concentrate your mind on the road by keeping distracting conversations to a minimum and looking straight ahead.

For additional driver safety tips, contact Chalmers today at 1-800-360-3000. We'd love to hear from you.   

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