Lexington, SC - 04/09/2021 (Sheriff Jay Koon) - How many times have you glanced over at the car next to you and noticed the driver was texting or scrolling through their phone? Putting on makeup? Dipping their fries in ketchup?
All facets of distracted driving.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and I’m here to remind to you drive safely. Do it for your family and friends, do it for your neighbors and coworkers.
In 2019, distracted driving killed 3,142 people – a 10% increase from 2018 (NHTSA). Nearly 700 people are injured daily from collisions caused by distracted driving.
Did you know that taking your eyes off the road to read a text for 5 seconds, at 55 mph, is like you closing your eyes for the entire length of a football field (NHTSA)? Imagine what could happen in those 5 seconds and you wouldn’t even have the reaction time to deal with it.
When you get behind the wheel, you have a responsibility to avoid collisions and to practice safe driving. Take steps to keep your focus on the road: put your phone away, don’t fiddle with the radio or entertainment, and please finish getting dressed at home before you leave.
You really can’t drive safely unless your full attention is on the road. If you’re participating in any non-driving activities, then you increase your chances of a crash significantly.
Parents: lead by example. Show your teens what it means to commit to safe driving. Teens: encourage your peers to never drive distracted.
Help us make Lexington County a safer place to live and work. Do you part by taking the pledge to embrace distraction-free driving.
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