NHTSA: April is distracted driving awareness month

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said April is distracted driving awareness month.

Officials from the NHTSA said distracted driving has become an epidemic on American roads.

Cell phone use, specifically texting, talking and using social media have become the most common distractions.

By driving distracted, the administration said you’re robbing yourself of seconds you may need to avoid a close call or a deadly crash.

According to the NHTSA, distracted driving killed 3,522 people in 2021. As a reminder to drivers, the NHTSA shared these safety tips:

• Pull over and park your car in a safe location if you need to send a text or make a call.
• Designate your passenger as a “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not scroll through apps while driving.

NHTSA officials encourage drivers to join in pledging not to drive distracted and sharing your pledge to social media with the hashtag, “JustDrive.”

For more information on distracted driving visit the NHTSA webpage.