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Let’s End Distracted Driving!

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About 10 years ago the girls and I were in a car crash.

The crash occurred when we were picking up food at a drive through, it was me and my two older daughters who were about 2 and 4 at the time. We were at a complete stop when all of a sudden the driver behind me slammed into my SUV and pushed us almost 10 feet. She was reaching for her phone and it dropped and she reached down for it more and instead of pushing on the break when she saw our car she hit the gas instead. 

Did you know that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the nearly 33,000 roadway fatalities in 2012, there were 3,328 fatalities and approximately 421,000 injuries in distracted driving-related crashes.

I was shocked to learn how big of a problem distracted driving is and I want to be a part of ending it.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Auto Alliance want to increase awareness about the risks of distracted driving. Orthopaedic surgeons—the specialists who put bones and limbs back together after road crashes and traumas—along with our partners, the automakers, would rather help all drivers “decide to drive” each time they get in the car and to keep bones and limbs intact.

The Decide to Drive program aims to empower drivers and passengers to speak up about distracted driving, continue the conversation at home, work and play, and reduce distracted behaviors behind the wheel.

I am dedicated to doing my part to end distracted driving.

I want to set a good example for the girls as they get closer to driving age. I am pledging to talk to my kids about distracted driving and to make sure that I am not a distracted driver. I am reminding myself every time I get in the car that I have one goal. Getting to where I am going safely and to focus only on driving. 

Please join me in ending distracted driving by remembering that the most advanced safety feature of any vehicle is the driver. The AAOS and the Auto Alliance urges all drivers to keep their most sophisticated safety features engaged at all times: eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Learn more about the #DecideToDrive Campaign and how you can avoid distracted driving.

Are you doing your part to avoid distracted driving?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Heather Reese
the authorHeather Reese
Heather Delaney Reese is the storyteller and photographer behind the lifestyle and family travel blog, It's a Lovely Life®! For the past decade, she has vacationed over 150 days a year with her family. She is a vegan, and loves being by the water, spending time with her children, husband, 2 Shih Tzus and Cat.

25 Comments

  • Great post! Driving around with kids can be a distraction in itself and I try to not let the kids distract me too much but unfortunately it does happen. I know I often tell them that I am driving and cant pay attention to whatever it is at the time

  • Those are some crazy stats.. today it is so hard not to be distracted with technology and others environmental things going on. I do try my best to not get distracted..

  • Great post! I have a teen learning to drive… and I am sending him to read this and the related sites right now 🙂 Thanks!

  • It is so sad to hear all of the news about people dying from crashes as a result of distracted driving. You would think people would look at these stories and stop.

  • Distractions are definitely a big issue when driving. When I see people checking their Facebook while driving, it really irks me. One person I seen the other day was actually in a business truck. He was turning the corner as I was at a stop light, and checking his phone, not paying attention to the road. It’s ridiculous how dumb people are.

  • That was very irresponsible of the other driver. If you’re behind the wheel, you must be careful at all times whether someone’s with you or not. I hate it when these kinds of things happen. You went out just to grab something to eat and because of an irresponsible driver, you have to go through so much.

  • I’ll believe a change when I see it. The news has been disturbing lately with crash after crash after crash. People don’t seem to want to pay attention! I see people doing idiotic things behind the wheel every single day. It’s disgusting!

  • What a great campaign and a great post. It is hard not to multi-task as a mom, even when driving. But I would never forgive myself if I caused an accident. Thanks for the reminder to decide to drive.

  • Distracted driving is really bad where I live. I cannot even begin to tell you how many people I see driving and messing with their phones. I really just don’t understand it.

  • Yes yes and more yes. I see more adults driving while texting/looking at their phones/etc than anybody else. Eating, makeup, even reading!

  • Oh this is such a great message! I am sorry that you and your daughters were involved in such a horrble crash, but so glad to know you guys are ok and your experience is a great message to others. I also really like the logo! Its a perfect reminder to keep your hands on the wheel and off that darn phone!!

  • long ago I was in a car accident since then I cannot drive, my husband is an amazing driver he is always paying attention and has great reflex. This a great o-st and people needs to actually value human life theirs and the others they will affect

  • My girlfriend was hit by a drunk driver, luckily she was unharmed. I understand being a cautious driver! We have to make sure 100% we’re aware of what the people around us are doing on the road.

  • I totally agree with your cause as my Sister inlaw died from a car accident 6 years ago..Its time to end the distracted driving and people should focus on the road.

  • Distracted driving is a serious pet peeve of mine. It is so dangerous. I have seen so many people swerving from lane to lane and doing other very dangerous things because they are not paying attention and are playing with their phones, eating, doing their makeup, etc. I have made a promise to myself and my family to not do things like that.

  • This is so important, so it’s a great campaign. I do think that while parents are often more careful driving as they’ve got children in the car, there’s also a lot more distraction to avoid.

  • I really admire you for posting this because more people need to get awareness out there for this topic. It is so very important for us as parents to set great examples for our children. Thanks for sharing.

  • I think most of us are guilty of distracted driving from time to time. I have a 24 mile commute both ways, so the temptation to answer a text or check e-mail is there. I really the message you share with everybody. Also, I want to complement you on keeping my attention, your blog is just the right length. Stay Classy. John Lopez

  • I have a 16 yo who has had his license less than 6 months. It’s a constant reminder as he gets into the car to pay attention to what he’s doing. One thing I do is to avoid calling or texting him when I think he may be driving. Some states do have laws now stating if you call someone who you know is driving and there’s an accident, the caller can be found guilty in contributing to the wreck. Great post.

  • Distracted driving is so scary. I see so many driving distracted and do our best to not do anything while driving. I can relate about being hit from behind at a drive through. Maybe we should make them illegal. lol

  • I think this is such an important topic. As the mother of two teens that drive, I have discussed with them the dangers of distracted driving. It is so important to teach our kids the dangers of getting distracted while driving.

  • I can’t believe people justify using their phones or other devices while driving. If it is illegal to turn your head to face the passenger while driving, it ought to be illegal to look at your phone. End of story.

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