Distracted Driving Awareness

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

When you are behind the wheel… your only job is to drive!

One too many lives have been lost to distracted driving. Today, at least eight people a day are killed in distracted driving crashes. Distracted Driving isn’t just risky for you, it can be deadly for everyone involved — including passengers, nearby drivers and pedestrians, or other bystanders.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), America’s leading non-profit safety advocate, new estimates of total motor-vehicle deaths show that our roads are the most dangerous they have been in years.

At any given moment, approximately 660,000 drivers are using or manipulating electronic devices such as cellphones and infotainment systems. Regardless of handheld or hands-free, allowing distractions while driving pose dangerous risks for everyone!

If something requires your hands, your eyes or your attention while you’re driving… IT’S A DISTRACTION!

Help Save Lives

Pledge today to #JustDrive and share this vital information with your family, friends and community!

Watch & share this video >>

Learn more at nsc.org/justdrive >>

Source: National Safety Council (NSC) @NatlSafetyCouncil

In April, we observe National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW)

Each year, NWZAW raises awareness to drive safely through work zones.

Whether you are a driver or pedestrian, it is vitally important to:

• Stay Alert

• Slow Down

• Use Extra Caution

• Just Drive

Learn more at NWZAW.org >>

Source: American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW).

Pedestrians & Drivers

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving during the COVID-19 pandemic all played a significant role in the increase of Pedestrian deaths (more than 20%) in the first half of 2020. 

Whether you’re a PEDESTRIAN or a DRIVER — work together to keep everyone safe!

Follow these helpful tips:

PEDESTRIANS >>

• Use the sidewalk, whenever possible. If that’s not an option, walk facing traffic.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Cross streets at crosswalks when you can. If no crosswalk is available and your view of traffic is blocked, move to a place where you can see oncoming traffic.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing a street. Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you.
• Pay attention: Don’t use your cellphone or wear earbuds. These devices put your safety at risk, the NSC says.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing if you’re walking at night, and use a flashlight.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. Their drivers may not see you.

DRIVERS >>

• When you’re behind the wheel, you need to always be on the alert for pedestrians.
• Scan the road for crosswalks and use the “What if?” strategy: If a person darted out in front of my car, how would I react? Be prepared for any situation.
• Obey all traffic laws.
• Be extra careful when backing up your vehicle. Check all angles for people before proceeding.
• Don’t block a crosswalk when stopped at a red light or while waiting to make a turn. This forces people to go around you, which could put them in the path of traffic.
• Yield to pedestrians, even if they aren’t in a crosswalk.
• Don’t wave pedestrians across the street. Other drivers may not see you doing so and could strike the pedestrians with their vehicle.
• Are kids nearby? School zone signs, playgrounds and crossing guards are good indicators that children are around. Make sure to drive attentively in these areas and follow the posted speed limit.
• Don’t honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way. Let’s all be courteous to each other.

Source: National Safety Council (NSC) and Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

90 Dangerous Days

The Washington State Patrol (WSP), Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), and partner law enforcement agencies across the state participate in a statewide “90 Dangerous Days” campaign with aim to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on Washington state roadways.

Historically, June 9 – September 7 has yielded Washington state’s highest consecutive 90-day stretch for traffic-related fatalities. On average, this timeframe accounts for 31 percent of all traffic deaths statewide. Those at risk are not just drivers – but also vulnerable roadway users such as pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcycle riders. 

Top contributing circumstances to fatality collisions include:

Source: Washington State Patrol

Just Drive Tips

Help make our roadways a safer place:

PLAN AHEAD before you drive. Check for local traffic conditions and pack your patience – especially if you are traveling in unfamiliar areas.

SECURE ALL ITEMS before you drive. Heading on a summer road trip? Make sure all of your belongings are stowed safely.

FOCUS ON DRIVING when behind the wheel. Always buckle up, adhere to posted speed limits, drive sober, and stay distraction free.

BE ALERT for our vulnerable road users. This includes pedestrians, motorcycle riders, bicyclists – we all share the road!

Source: Washington State Patrol

Share the Facts:

• In 2010, United States Congress designated April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
• In 2020, 38,824 people lost their lives on American roads—the highest number since 2007.
• In 2022, Washington state had six fatal work zone crashes on state roads.
• Each year, about 670 people are killed nationally in highway work zones.
• 95% of people hurt in work zones are drivers, their passengers or passing pedestrians—not just our road crews.
• Speeding continues to be a top reason for work zone crashes.
• Although this crisis affects us all, some road users are impacted more than others.
• Pedestrian fatalities are up 3.9% (the highest number since 1989).
• Bicyclist fatalities are up 9.2% (the highest number since 1987).
• In addition, traffic crashes disproportionately impact people who are Black, American Indian, or live in rural communities.
• It only takes a few seconds to set up your drive and avoid dangerous distractions.
• At 55 mph, a 4-second text takes your eyes off the road while you travel the full length of a football field.
• Drivers should refrain from using their phone when behind the wheel.
• Research shows that 49% of drivers have talked on a handheld phone while driving.
• 87% of the survey respondents said they’d be more likely to end a call if a passenger said something.
• Handheld cell phone use by drivers has declined and is now illegal in 21 U.S. states.
• Today, 48 U.S. states have enacted texting bans for all drivers.
• Hands-free is not risk-free! Eliminating driver use of all types of cell phones and in-vehicle infotainment systems is safest.

Source: National Safety Council (NSC), Traffic Safety Marketing (TSM), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

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