April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and AAA Western and Central New York encourages drivers to pledge to be distraction free this month and beyond.

The latest report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety categorizes drivers based on their self-reported risky driving behaviors, including distraction. The annual Traffic Safety Culture Index (TSCI) reveals that 93 percent of drivers recognize the dangers of texting, emailing, and reading while driving, but many continue to engage in such tasks behind the wheel. In fact, 27 percent of drivers reported sending text/email while 37 percent admitted to reading a text/email and 36 percent reported holding and talking on the phone while driving in the past 30 days.

“With April being Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, which takes thousands of lives every year,” said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations at AAA Western and Central New York. “This is also the ideal time for drivers to break their bad habits and pledge to remain distraction free, not just in April, but every time they get behind the wheel.”

  
According to NHTSA, in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. However, due to data collection limitations, the numbers are likely underreported, so the death toll is likely much higher.

AAA reminds drivers that if they’re traveling 55 miles per hour, taking their eyes off the road for just five seconds is like traveling the length of a football field blindfolded. AAA encourages drivers to learn how to use Driving Focus features on smartphones, which prevent incoming calls and texts while a vehicle is in motion. Designed to limit phone use behind the wheel, these apps can silence the phone, redirect incoming calls to voicemails, or respond to text messages with a preprogrammed message. However, users must opt-in to activate the apps.

To stay focused behind the wheel and prevent driving “intexticated,” AAA recommends that drivers:

• Use the Driving Focus features on your smartphone.
• Pull over if you have to call or text someone.
• Speak up if the driver of your vehicle is distracted.
• Put it away. Place your mobile device out of sight to prevent temptation.
• Know where you’re going. If using GPS, program the destination before driving.
• Ask passengers for help. If with someone, ask for help to navigate, make a call or text.
• Don’t be a distraction. Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving.

Drivers can get more safety tips at www.AAA.com/Distracted or www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.