Silence the Distraction

To save lives and educate all Californians, especially young drivers, about the dangers of distracted driving, the Brisbane Police Department, California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Impact Teen Drivers, and more than 200 law enforcement agencies statewide are working together on increased education and enforcement efforts for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April and California Teen Safe Driving Week, the first week of April.

The urge to read and answer an incoming message when we hear the text sound can be almost overwhelming.  The Office of Traffic Safety is using a message of “Silence the Distraction” in new public service announcements aimed at getting drivers to turn off their phones while driving so they won’t be tempted.

“No text, call, or social media update is worth a crash,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft.  “With an average of less than a second to react to an urgent situation, drivers need to have all their attention on the roadway.”

While distracted driving can take on many forms and affects all road users, young drivers are at a greater risk.  During “California Teen Safe Driving Week,” April 1-7, Impact Teen Drivers will focus on educating teens that their number one killer – reckless and distracted driving – is 100% preventable.  “People are realizing that everyday behaviors, such as texting or reaching for a dropped item, can be lethal when done behind the wheel,” Kelly Browning, Ph.D., Executive Director of Impact Teen Drivers, said.

Let's model safe driving so the young people in our lives will know they must drive responsibly, keeping full attention to the task at hand - DRIVING.  If you have teenagers in your family who are driving, take some time to make sure they understand the laws and what their responsibilities are as well, especially during this coming first week of April.