VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A deadly epidemic is taking place on roads across the nation. 3,522 people were killed because of distracted driving in 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, giving both drivers and passengers time to reflect on choices made on the road.
Cell phone use, including texting, talking and social media use is now the most common distraction behind the wheel, according to NHTSA. Distracted driving can bring costly and deadly consequences.
This month, NHTSA and local law enforcement organizations are stressing to avoid distractions while behind the wheel.
Arrive Alive, formerly known as Every 15 Minutes, is an initiative to draw attention to the issue of distracted driving among teenagers. The Virginia Beach Police Department hosted a demonstration event at Landstown High School on Wednesday morning.
The demonstration simulated how law enforcement responds to a crash caused by distracted driving, giving students a firsthand understanding of the consequences that come with it.
Here are five tips from the American Automobile Association (AAA) to avoid distracted driving:
- Plan in advance; program GPS, set mirrors and climate controls, etc., before you start driving.
- Get familiar with your vehicle's features and equipment before hitting the road.
- Use message-taking functions and return calls once stopped at a safe location.
- Ask passengers to help perform activities that may be distracting, whenever possible.
- Secure mobile devices and objects that may move and be distracting before driving.
By taking action to prevent yourself or others from distracted driving, you can help save lives.