April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
In Pickaway County, the Sheriff’s Office and Safe Communities is asking everyone to “Stay Alive, Don’t Text and Drive”.
“It is human nature to have some distractions when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle”, stated Teresa C. Carper, Safe Communities Director. “Road signs, weather conditions, passengers, and even the scenery may distract drivers, however texting and driving has become a major hazard on our roadways. Put the phone down while behind the wheel for your safety, for the safety of your passengers, and others on our roadways.”
Sending or reading a text can take your eyes off the road for nearly four seconds. You can travel the length of a football field in that amount of time at 60 mph. Imagine driving a real football field at that rate of speed blindfolded, with persons standing on the field! That is exactly what you are doing when you text and drive. When you think of it in those terms, you can understand why officials want you to keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind focused on your driving.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a website with information on this important safety issue, as well as suggestions for teen drivers and their parents. Visit the site at www.nhtsa.gov.
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