ROCKFORD, MI (WHTC) – In 2013, more than 380 people in Michigan were injured in crashes where a driver was reported as being distracted. To bring public awareness and in recognition of April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Michigan State Police (MSP) seeks to educate motorists about the dangers of distracted driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Distracted driving includes texting, using a cellphone, eating or drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading, using a navigational system, watching a video or adjusting a radio or CD player.
Community Service Trooper for the Michigan State Police, Matin Miller says texting is the number one culprit. Miller says it takes a lot of concentration to text and you could travel two football fields while texting. “It’s like driving that length with your eyes closed.”
There are three types of distractions: visual, manual and cognitive. Visual involves taking your eyes off the road, manual consists of taking your hands off the wheel and cognitive involves taking your mind off what you’re doing.
View the public service announcement “One Text or Call Could Wreck it All.” You can also view more information and take the pledge to end distracted driving.
