Join Efforts for Distracted Driving Awareness Month 

Distracted driving has made the roads dangerous – and it seems to be getting worse. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, there was a 6.8% increase in fatalities from motor vehicle crashes, despite miles driven declining by 11% during the pandemic. The problem continued to worsen as people returned to the roadways, with fatalities increasing by 12% in the first nine months of 2021.

Each year, distracted driving kills more than 3,000 people – approximately eight people each day.  

Despite 66% of drivers saying that using a cell phone to text, talk or use an app while driving is dangerous, 51% reported doing those things in the past six months.  

To encourage drivers to avoid distractions, the National Safety Council (NSC) designated April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. NSC is asking drivers to take the Just Drive Pledge. 

In addition to encouraging drivers to take the pledge, fleets should use April to promote a safety-first culture for their drivers. Implementing a safety incentive program is a good place to start, but it’s also important to champion training — both for new drivers and seasoned veterans. 

Reducing distracted driving will make roads safer, and the potential industry-wide adoption of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) could increase the focus on safety. ADAS technologies — active braking, active steering, active warning and camera monitoring systems — have the potential to dramatically decrease the likelihood of crashes occurring. Fewer crashes, of course, equate to better safety scores. 

Contact sales@prodriver.com for information on how TVC can help your fleet promote safe driving behaviors.