This post was sponsored by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ “Decide to Drive” distracted driving awareness program, in partnership with the Auto Alliance, to remind you to always “decide to drive.”
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. 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. That’s a lot of deaths and injuries that could be prevented if we put an end to distracted driving. There are lots of great safety features available in cars these days, but the #1 safety feature 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.
The 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. Now let’s face it, Is a broken bone, accident, or something else caused from distracted driving really worth it?
Looking for ways to cut out distracted driving? These tips are a reminder for each and every time you get behind the wheel to make all other activities, passengers and priorities secondary to driving. The AAOS, and the Auto Alliance encourage all drivers to simply stop your vehicle – in a safe area – any time there is a distraction that needs your attention.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
livivua
Wednesday 9th of July 2014
we just had an event just today for our 4-hers in the county...very important subject
Michelle S
Wednesday 2nd of July 2014
I totally agree that this has to start with yourself, and share this with your friends.
Janet W.
Wednesday 2nd of July 2014
There really are so many different distractions while driving. This is a great checklist to keep in mind. One decision could change or save your life!
Birdiebee
Tuesday 1st of July 2014
These are great tips. I sure wish that many of the drivers out there on the roads would follow these. The city I live in, talking on your cell phone is banned and if caught, a fine is imposed. However, so many individuals don't pay attention to the laws and continue to talk on their phones as well as text. I just don't understand what is so important that it the message can't wait until one pulls over in a safe place to take care of their business.
Karen Glatt
Sunday 29th of June 2014
Distracted driving is so dangerous and it does not take very much to become distracted. When we drive, we must keep our eyes on the rode. It makes me so mad when I see people talking on cell phones or texting. This is so dangerous.