Distracted driving: How you can help make safer roadways
JACKSON, Tenn. — Before you head out on the road, there are some things you need to remember.
Lee Workman with Farm Bureau in Jackson sat down to share some statistics and advice before you get behind the wheel.
“First tip is put the phone down. There is hands free and that’s great–we think the best thing to do is not to be on the phone at all. If you’re thinking about the conversation, then you’re not paying attention to the road,” said Workman.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2023, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes.
Workman says that every 43 minutes in the state of Tennessee accidents occur.
“The summer time, because people are about to go on vacations, there’s going to be more people on roadways that is the higher percentage of time that people are distracted,” said Workman.
Distractions while driving can be monitoring passengers, and grooming.
“Another thing is, no eating or drinking in the car. Lunch can wait until we get to where we’re going,” said Workman.
While driving past an accident, drivers may try to slow down to look or record the accident with their phone. Workman say this is also a distraction along with playing music too loud, daydreaming and nodding off.
He says to minimize distractions, make sure you have every thing set.
“Before you leave the house get your GPS set, get your radio set where it needs to be. Get your mirror set so when you head off on the road you don’t have to be distracted,” said Workman.
Workman says younger drivers are more likely to have distracted related crashes.
“‘The First Mile’–it is a video that 16 and 17 year olds can watch. It’s great about telling them about the distractions and what not to be distracted of. We will give them a discount on their insurance actually, for watching that video,” said Workman.
Another tip to minimize distractive driving is to wait to complete a task, whether that’s before you leave or once you make it to your destination.
Also leaving your phone on do not disturb also minimizes distractions.
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