Crackdown on Distracted Driving

Local and state police throughout the country are joining forces with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council (NSC) in a campaign to bring awareness to distracted driving, a public epidemic that is responsible for thousands of deaths in the U.S. every year. The goal of the program is to change drivers’ unsafe behaviors by bringing to their attention that distracted driving — while common — is irresponsible and dangerous.

The NHTSA and NSC have prepared public service announcements related to the campaign. Local and state law enforcement have gotten on board with efforts to crack down on distracted driving practices, such as talking or texting on a cell phone. Besides cell phones, other distractions to avoid while driving are eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, and operating a navigation system. Even having an intense conversation can interfere with safe driving.

Exposure Efforts

Although individual laws vary among states, the effort will be enforced on roads throughout the country. The campaign will also be visible on billboards and online. NSC organizers hope social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, will get the word out, especially to younger drivers. The hashtag, #JustDrive, is being promoted to get the campaign to start trending online.

Police Involvement

The program’s efforts are being supported by law enforcement on the roads, as the crackdown targets distracted drivers with fines and citations. The law enforcement component of Distracted Driving Awareness Month is being promoted with the text messaging-inspired program, U Drive. U Text. U Pay.

How Can I Spread the Word?

We all use the roads and we all have a vested interest in keeping them safe. No one disagrees that drivers should keep their attention on the task of driving. Still, people are tempted by their devices, and we all are familiar with the impulse to multitask. For that very reason, safety awareness organizers are hoping to enlist the help of the public to get their message out. Far too many drivers continue to put themselves and others at risk of serious distracted driving car accidents.

You can do your part by turning off your phone before you drive, speaking up if you see another driver using their phone while driving, and bringing up the topic in conversation whenever possible. National Distracted Driving Awareness Month supporters invite everyone to join forces to make driving safely the focus on our roads.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP Represent Victims Injured in Distracted Driving Accidents

If you were injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. The Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Galfand Berger LLP can help. Call 800-222-USWA (8792) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients in Philadelphia, Reading, Bethlehem, Allentown, Harrisburg, and throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.