Distracted Driving

Cell Phone 1.New studies have shown that talking on a cell phone while driving will make it FOUR times more likely that you will have a collision that will result in a hospital visit. * These statistics apply the same to women, men, young or old, hands-free or hand held cell phones

2. A recent study has shown that 46% of teen drivers text while TRYING to drive. * Should this behavior be considered as reckless driving? * This action endangers an already at risk group to further danger

Teen Passengers 1. Distractions caused by teen passengers riding with a teen driver play a role in up 50 percent of collisions.

Car Stereos-Head Phones 1.Your hearing accounts for 10% of all information your brain processes while operating and automobile *Driving with headphones in both ears is illegal *If you can not hear you will miss important communications from other drivers such as horns and sirens

Emotions 1.Emotions can interfere with your driving by taking away your attention from the road *You may become so preoccupied that you may speed or take other risks without realizing it *If you are having a strong emotion, your ability to process roadway information may be diminished

Other Distractions 1.Animals should always ride in a pet carrier or be restrained to keep them from interfering with the safe operation of the automobile. 2. Traffic jams can cause drivers to lose their focus. 3. Smoking, eating, or applying makeup while operating an automobile could also be a source for distraction.