April is National Distracted Driving Month

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Rock County Sheriff Robert Spoden remiods citizens that April is National Distracted Driving Month. Although illegal, texting and driving is the leading cause of distraction; however, distracted driving is any activity in which the driver’s attention is removed from the primary task of operating a motor vehicle. These type of distractions include eating, looking for items within reach, and using the rearview mirror to comb hair or apply make-up.

Regardless of driving experience, distracted driving increases the likelihood of an accident. In fact, 25 percent of all accidents are attributed to some form of distracted driving, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Driving a motor vehicle is a privilege; every driver is obligated to operate a vehicle safely. Sheriff Spoden asks all drivers to adhere to the following distracted driving safety tips:

 

  • Turn off your phone, or utilize an app that prevents incoming and outgoing messages, calls, and notifications while driving
  • Enlist the help of your passenger to avoid distraction
  • If you’re a passenger and witness distracted driving, speak up
  • Pull over safely if you need to address a distraction
  • Plan ahead; eat, groom, and organize before or after your drive to avoid unforeseen distractions
  • Sign a pledge with family and friends to hold each other accountable for keeping your focus on driving whenever you’re behind the wheel