Distracted Driving Awareness

The Washington State Patrol (WSP), Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC), and partner law enforcement agencies across the state participate in a statewide “Surviving Summer” campaign to reduce serious injury and fatality collisions during the state’s 90 dangerous days on Washington roadways. For five years, June 9 through September 7 has become Washington’s highest consecutive 90-day stretch for traffic-related fatalities. According to the WTSC, more than 967 lives were lost due to fatal crashes throughout the past five summers (June to August), with law enforcement responding to an average of more than 60 fatalities per month in June, July, and August.

The 90 days (on average) 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.

The top contributing circumstances to those fatality collisions are:

WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?

Everyday examples include:

• Using cell phones and devices
• Watching videos
• Operating GPS systems
• Interacting with passengers
• Eating or drinking
• Applying makeup
• Shaving
• Reading
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

LEARN TO DRIVE DISTRACTION-FREE

Follow these safety tips before you drive:

• Program your GPS
• Setup your playlist
• Silence and put away your phone

If you must send or receive a text:

• Pull over to a safe location and park your vehicle first.
• Ask a passenger to respond to calls or text messages on your behalf.

If you cannot resist the temptation to look at your phone:

• Activate the “Do Not Disturb” feature, or place the device in the trunk, glove box or back seat of your vehicle until you reach your destination.

PAY ATTENTION TO LAWS

Or… Pay the price!

Talking or texting while driving is one of the most dangerous and deadliest forms of distracted driving. On average, younger drivers ages 16 to 24-years old are more distracted by devices—but we’re all at risk for distracted-driving crashes!

As of 2023, forty-eight U.S. states successfully passed laws making it illegal to text while driving. To learn more about the laws in your state and community, visit the Governors Highway Safety Association at ghsa.org.

HELP SAVE LIVES.

Pledge today!

Join HIPRC in taking the pledge to #JustDrive and share this vital information with your family, friends and community. Learn more at nsc.org/justdrive.

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Source: National Safety Council (NSC), Traffic Safety Marketing (TSM) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Distracted Driving Affects EVERYONE:

• 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!

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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).

The rate of pedestrian deaths jumped more than 20% in the first half of 2020.

That’s a SIGNIFICANT increase! And, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving during the COVID-19 pandemic all played a role.

So, whether you’re a PEDESTRIAN or a DRIVER — please do your part 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.

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

2023 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW)

Recognized each April, NWZAW happens at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones.

This year, NWZAW is hosted April 17^th – 21^st by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).

This year’s theme, ‘You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.,’ helps to remind everyone of how vitally important it is for drivers and pedestrians to TAKE EXTRA CAUTION when traveling through work zones.

This year’s commemoration will include:

• 4/17 – Work Zone Safety Training Day
• 4/18 – National Kickoff Event
• 4/19 – Go Orange Day
• 4/20 – Social Media Storm
• 4/21 – A Moment of Silence (dedicated to honoring all lives claimed in work zones)

To learn more about how you can participate and make your voice count, visit: nwzaw.org.

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Source: American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and 2023 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW)

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Distracted Driving Awareness Month – (Click to view)

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