This week, Wendy Couture, the district’s safety and risk reduction manager, shares information about the dangers of distracted driving.

The National Safety Council states that distracted driving is a public health issue that affects everyone. The latest statistics show motor vehicle fatalities are up 6% from 2015. More than 40,000 people were killed on our nation’s roadways last year, and distracted driving is a major contributor.

Each death is 100% preventable. From cell phones to dashboard infotainment systems to evolving voice command features –- all pose a threat to our safety. Just one second of your attention is all it takes to change a life forever.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April is a united effort to recognize and eliminate preventable deaths from distracted driving. Join the National Safety Council at Distracted Driving Awareness Month for more resources.

According to the Center for Disease Control, each day in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.

Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.

What are the types of distraction?

There are three main types of distraction:

• Visual: taking your eyes off the road.
• Manual: taking your hands off the wheel.
• Cognitive: taking your mind off driving.

Distracted driving activities

Anything that takes your attention away from driving can be a distraction. Sending a text message, talking on a cell phone, using a navigation system, and eating while driving are a few examples of distracted driving. Any of these distractions can endanger the driver and others.

Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction. Sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, long enough to cover a football field while driving at 55 mph.

Take the pledge!

Take the pledge to be an attentive driver at Distracted Driving Pledge at the National Safety Council Web page.