DOVER, DE
The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is partnering with local and state law enforcement agencies across Delaware to conduct a high visibility enforcement during April for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. OHS wants to remind everyone of the dangers of distracted driving. Not only is distracted driving dangerous, but it can also have a lasting impact on loved ones and members of the community.
Distracted driving crashes are often underreported. But data shows that in Delaware, between 2019 and 2023, there were 9,569 crashes, 174 serious injuries, and 22 fatalities involving distracted driving on our roadways. Driver inattention, distraction, or fatigue are some of the leading factors of fatal crashes in 2024, representing 29%. Distracted driving seems to be more common among 20-24-year-olds and in the 35-44 age range.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,308 deaths linked to driver distractions in 2022. There have been approximately 32,000 people who died in a crash involving distracted driving from 2013 – 2022. With all the different things that can cause a distraction while driving, texting and cell phone use have become the most prevalent. Some distractions may be just visual, cognitive, or manual while texting combines all three, causing you to take your eyes off the road, mind off the task of driving, and hands off the wheel.
“Distracted driving poses a significant threat and can cause severe consequences. It’s important to prioritize safety by avoiding the urge to check your phone or respond to a text while driving said Sharon Bryson, Director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, “Too many lives have been lost due to distractions, and both motorists and pedestrians must remain fully alert and focused while using our roadways and sidewalks.”
The Delaware Office of Highway Safety urges drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe driving experience:
- Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat until you arrive at your destination. How to turn on Do Not Disturb
- Make sure you take care of any text messages or phone calls before you drive.
- If you must take a phone call or text, pull over where it is safe and park your vehicle before handling your phone.
- Listen to your passengers: If they see you texting and driving and ask you to put your phone down, put it away.
- Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not engage in social media scrolling or watching videos while driving.
Along with enforcement, and continued education through social media, OHS has also developed a new module on the Arrive Alive DE website called “Nix the Text”. To check it out and learn more information, statistics, and education on Distracted Driving, visit www.ArriveAliveDE.com/Be-Alert.