The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration calls on drivers to take a proactive role in road safety by following and spreading this message: Eyes Forward. Don’t Drive Distracted.
“Cell phone use and any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from safe driving are distracted driving behaviors,” said Chief Robert Millin. “Distracted driving endangers everyone on the road, including other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.”
According to NHTSA, 16,384 people died and about 1.7 million people were injured in distraction-affected crashes from 2019 to 2023.
In 2023 alone, there were 3,275 people killed in traffic crashes involving at least one distracted driver, accounting for 8% of all traffic fatalities that year. An estimated additional 324,819 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023.
Safe driving requires focused attention. Adopting these phone-free driving habits is key to creating a safe driving environment for everyone on the road:
- Pull over and park in a safe location before using the phone to send or read a text message.
- Ask a passenger to be the “designated texter” and allow them to manage calls and messages during the drive.
- Avoid social media scrolling and any form of messaging while behind the wheel.
- Use “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence notifications.
Drivers can put their phone in the trunk, glove box or back seat of the vehicle to break the habit of driving distracted.
Cell phone use while driving is dangerous. Phone-free driving and keeping hands on the wheel is committing to keeping all eyes on the road and focusing on driving. Remember: Eyes Forward. Don’t Drive Distracted.
For more information on distracted driving, visit NHTSA.gov/DistractedDriving.
Authorized for Release
Robert Millin, Chief of Police
