April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. As the name suggests, the purpose of this safety campaign is to raise public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. As a result, the National Safety Council is specifically urging the public to become aware of the hazards associated with using a cell phone while driving. However, cell phone use is not the only type of distracted-driving behavior that causes serious accidents on I-294 and throughout the Chicago area.
Other Forms of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes of the road, your hands off the steering wheel, or your focus from the task at hand—driving safely. In addition to texting while driving or using a cell phone while driving, the following activities may be distracting to Chicago drivers:
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Programming or using a GPS while driving
- Talking or arguing with passengers
- Reading while driving
- Changing the music while driving
All of these distractions are preventable—drivers simply do not have to do them while driving. They are not worth the risk of causing a serious accident that hurts themselves, a loved one, another motorist, a pedestrian, or a biker.
Get Involved
Now is a great time to take action against distracted driving. Learn what it is and pledge to stop doing it. You can also help by sharing this information with your family and friends on Facebook, Twitter, or Google Plus. Doing so may help to prevent a serious distracted-driving accident.
