Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving kills thousands and injures hundreds of thousands of innocent drivers, passengers, and pedestrians every year. From texting your friends to reading a map, it is never a good idea to do things behind the wheel that take your eyes and mind off of the road.

While we all know that distracted driving is dangerous, many people still choose to do it anyway. In fact, while you are reading this, it is likely that approximately 660,000 drivers across the U.S. are using their mobile devices behind the wheel. With the constant evolution of both mobile and in-car technology, this number is poised to rise dramatically unless we do something to curb the distracted driving epidemic.

What You Can do to Get Involved

To help combat distracted driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have designated April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Through their website, www.distraction.gov, the NHTSA and DOT provide a wealth of facts, statistics, and resources to help raise public awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. Here are some of their suggestions for ways that you can get involved:

• Take a pledge – Why not start with yourself? If you know that you are prone to distractions – such as texting, talking on the phone, eating and drinking, or fiddling with your music library – take a pledge that you will commit to being an attentive driver. There are pledge forms on distraction.gov, and the National Safety Council is offering a pledge with weekly drawings throughout the month of April.
• Set an example – Once you take the pledge, stick to it! When driving with your children or other passengers, set an example by typing in your GPS directions and setting your playlist before you go. Put your cell phone in the glove box.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up – Do you know someone who regularly gets distracted behind the wheel? If so, consider saying something. Your life and theirs may both be on the line.
• Spread the word on social media – On distraction.gov, the NHTSA and DOT provide avatars, pictures, and videos that can be shared on Twitter and Facebook to promote Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Show your friends and family that you care about their safety.
• Get active at work or in the community – The NHTSA and DOT website also provides links and suggestions for employers and ministry leaders to promote driver safety.

The Bottaro Law Firm, LLC Campaigns Against Distracted Driving

At the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC, we are passionate about putting an end to distracted driving. Over the past few years, we have actively participated in Distracted Driving Awareness Month, including through our “30 Days to Wipe Out Distracted Driving” Twitter campaign in 2014. We will be doing even more to support the fight against distracted driving in 2015.

Experienced Representation for Victims of Distracted Drivers

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries at the hands of a distracted driver, The Bottaro Law Firm, LLC is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.