Distracted Driving Not To Be Taken Lightly

Recently, the U.S. Transportation Secretary applauded West Virginia for enacting a new law that prohibits text messaging and hand-held cell phone usage while driving. West Virginia becomes the 36th state to prohibit texting behind the wheel and the 10th state to outlaw hand-held cell phone use by all drivers. The new law takes effect on July 1st and violators will be fined $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $300 for the third offense. Three points will also be assessed against driver’s licenses on third and subsequent violations.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distraction.gov, distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving and all distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. The NHTSA lists the following as types of distractions:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone or smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

And, according to the NHTSA, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.

In November 2010, the Department of Transportation launched “Faces of Distracted Driving,” a video series featuring people from across the country that have been injured or lost loved ones in distracted driving crashes. To watch videos from the “Faces of Distracted Driving” series, and to learn more about the Department’s campaign against distracted driving, visit the Distraction site.

So, make sure you are not distracted while driving; it could save your life and others.