April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving can have dire consequences. More than 3,150 people were killed in the U.S. as a result of distracted driving in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Drivers are confronted with a steady stream of distractions – vehicle navigation and entertainment systems, mobile phones, passenger conversations, eating and drinking, and more.

Anything that takes the driver’s attention away from driving can be dangerous. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that distraction "latency" can last up to 27 seconds, meaning that even after drivers put down the phone or stop fiddling with the navigation system, their mind isn't fully engaged with the task of driving.

Drivers spend more than half their time focused on things other than driving. Some distractions can’t be avoided, but most can be managed by taking steps to maintain focus while you’re driving.

Teens should be especially mindful of distracted driving. Not only do teens have the highest crash rates per mile driven, but they are also among the drivers most impaired by distraction.

Here are our top tips to minimize distraction while driving:

Fully focus on driving. Do not let anything divert your attention, actively scan the road for hazards, use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.

Put away loose gear, possessions and other distractions. Loose items can roll around in the car, tempting you to reach for them on the floor or seat.

Never text and drive. Don’t use cell phones while driving – handheld or hands-free – except in emergencies. Never use text messaging, email functions, video games or the internet with a wireless device, including those built into the vehicle, while driving.

According to NHTSA, texting is the most concerning distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. Texting while driving has been banned in Pennsylvania and in 46 other states and the District of Columbia.

Pull off the road. If you must make a call, return a text or do anything else that would take your attention off the road, find a safe spot and pull over.

Get set before you go. Make adjustments to your vehicle systems like your GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls and music before hitting the road. Decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.

Snack smart. Eating and drinking can take your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road. If possible, eat meals or snacks before or after your trip, not while driving.

Let passengers give you a hand. If something is distracting to you, ask a passenger to take care of it, so you can focus on driving.

Settle children and pets before getting underway. If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them. Reaching into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Don’t dress and drive. Finish personal grooming at home – before you get on the road.

For more information on distracted driving, visit Exchange.AAA.com.