The month of April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. 

“Using a phone while driving is a leading cause of distracted driving. Approximately 1.6 million car crashes related to phone use while driving occur each year in the U.S.,” according to Penny Lawyers.

 There are three types of distractions: visual, cognitive, and manual. Using a phone while driving falls under visual distraction and is proven to slow reaction times. In a blink of an eye anything could occur.

“Young adult drivers aged 16 to 29 are more likely to engage in distracted driving. One survey found that 40% of high school drivers use their phone to text or send an email while driving. More than one-in-four distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2018 were young adults aged 20 to 29,” Penny Lawyers stated. 

Texting while driving in Texas is illegal. According to Txdot.gov these are some cell phone laws in Texas to keep in mind while driving a vehicle: 

• You cannot send or receive electronic messages while driving.
• Drivers with a learners’ permits are prohibited from using cellphones in the first six months of driving.
• Using any handheld device in your vehicle in a school zone is illegal.
• Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using handheld devices.
• School bus drivers may not use cellphones at all while driving if children are present
• Cell phone laws can change from city to city.

Obviously some of these laws are difficult to follow for several reasons.  What if there’s an emergency with a family member and you just happen to be driving when you receive the message? If a passenger you trust is with you, ask them to read the message to you and get back to the person later. 

Our school has issued the motto, “Phones down, points up,” for Distracted Driving Awareness Month. CP has encouraged us to download the app named SAFE 2 SAVE in order to join an interactive and online competition to encourage staying off your phone. 

All participants with scores above 95, will be entered to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card! They will be drawing winners randomly next week in order to declare a winner. 

Be aware behind the wheel and always stay safe and off your phone.