Distracted Driving Awareness Month (April 2014)

DALLAS - March 20, 2014 - PRLog -- With so much talk today about the dangerous of talking and texting while driving, it is only natural for concerned agencies to invest in campaigns to make citizens aware of the dangerous they face. The dangers of cell phone use while driving are well-known throughout the country with many states enacting legislation to regulate it.

Annual Campaign and Associated Warnings

The entire month of April has been designated "National Distracted Driving Awareness Month," and the Department of Transportation in Texas (TxDOT) is continuing the "Talk, Text, Crash" campaign in order to reach out to the public. TxDOT wants to educate people of the dangers they face when driving while distracted.

The term "distracted driving" is used to describe driving under any type of distraction, including mobile phone use. Unfortunately, driver distractions are becoming all too common and are extremely dangerous, leading to many car crashes and even fatalities. In 2012, Texas saw 90,378 crashes that were related to distracted driving. Those crashes caused 18,468 injuries and 453 deaths. The statistics are alarming: one fourth of all crashes in Texas occur because of driver distraction.

Although cell phone use is the most common distraction for drivers, many other in-vehicle distractions are also unsafe and have the ability to contribute to accidents and even result in fatalities. TxDOT is asking all citizens to place their attention on the road and avoid conducting non-driving activities until they reach their destinations.

Recognizing April 2014 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Statistics provide evidence that thousands of people die each and every year because of drivers who use their mobile devices while they are driving - even if they are using a hands-free device as many states now require. During the month of April, the National Safety Council is asking everyone to urge their loved ones to do the following:

· Avoid the use of cell phones while they are driving.

· Understand that hands-free devices are not always a safe alternative to handheld devices.

· Be aware of the cognitive distractions talking on a cell phone causes the brain.

· Get into the habit of telling people who call you while driving that you would prefer to continue the conversation when they are not driving.

· Let others know about the dangers they face when allowing cell phone use to distract them from their driving.

While this annual event is only one means of reaching the public, it is certainly a step in the right direction. Cell phone use has definitely caused an increase in the numbers of accidents that occur because a driver is distracted. While Texas doesn't currently have statewide regulations regarding cell phone use (outside of school zones) as some other states do, this may perhaps be something Texas should consider. While not a solution to the problem, it may help reduce some of the car crashes that occur.

Jeff Rasansky
Dallas Car Accident Lawyer
https://www.jrlawfirm.com/