Distracted Driving Awareness Month takes place in April and is a nationwide initiative in the U.S. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) encourages safe driving practices and their 2024 motto is “Don’t Drive Distracted. Eyes Forward.”
Many car companies and repair shops spread similar messages to their customers to keep the roads safe. The American Automobile Association ( AAA) has created a media campaign using the hashtag “Just Drive” to help combat the rising number of car accidents and deaths related to distracted driving. Over 3,000 lives were claimed by distracted driving in 2022 according to NHTSA and the number is growing each year. Similarly, Minnesota enacted the “Hands-Free” law in 2019 prohibiting drivers from holding a phone and only allowing voice commands or single-touch activations; many U.S. states have followed suit and passed similar laws, but not all.
Distracted driving occurs whenever your focus is not 100% on the road. This can include anything from eating, drinking, messing with music, focusing on a navigation system, and the classic: texting or talking on a phone. The number of people habitually engaging in distracted driving has risen to 82% , as stated by the National Safety Council.
Being educated about the risks of distracted driving has been integrated into Driver’s Ed programs and even in school health classes. At Edina High School, the dangers of distracted driving have been highlighted through visiting speakers and Driver’s Ed classes held at the high school. Receiving this education is increasingly important because more and more people are participating in this dangerous habit. “I believe [distracted driving] is a problem everywhere. The addiction to our phones is the number one issue [facing newly licensed students],” Assistant Principal and Activities Director Troy Stein said. The best way to keep yourself and others safe while driving is to only pay attention to the road. Stein encourages students to drive safely all year long. “Stay focused! Let the text or call wait,” Stein said.
