AMES, Iowa – July 16, 2012 – Breezing through stop signs, swerving, rear-ending other vehicles, and driving onto the shoulder or off the road…these are all signs of distracted driving. They are also behaviors that can have serious consequences, including loss of life or serious injury.
The concern is highlighted by the fact that there have been 30 more fatalities so far this year in Iowa than at the same time in 2011; that is a 19 percent increase (192 vs. 162). Distractions, along with alcohol and speeding, are now the leading factors in fatal and serious injury crashes.
According to a 2011 report by Allstate Foundation, driver distraction contributes to 25 percent of all law enforcement-reported traffic crashes and 80 percent of all crashes happen within three seconds of driver distraction. Researchers with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety observed more than 1,700 drivers and found that three out of four who used their cell phone while driving committed a traffic violation.
While drivers are generally familiar with the risks of distracted driving, it takes a conscious decision to change behaviors that are contributing to the problem. That’s why the Iowa Department of Transportation is challenging Iowans to prove it to themselves – take the “no phone challenge” – see how much easier it is to keep your mind and eyes on the road without that single distraction.
The challenge: For the next seven days, put your mobile phone out of reach or turn it off while driving. Immediately when you get behind the wheel and before you start your vehicle, stow the device. This will prevent the temptation to read or write a text, check Facebook or let a phone call become a distraction while driving. Parents, get your teen drivers involved. All mobile phone users are urged to take the challenge.
Post your results: After you have participated in the challenge, go to www.facebook.com/iowadot and post your story. We want to hear about your experience.
· How hard was it to take that first step and put your phone out of arm’s reach?
· Are you a phone junkie? Did you even make it through the first trip without reaching for your phone? (According to a national survey by TeleNav Inc., 22 percent of people said they would rather give up their toothbrush for a week than their cell phone.)
· Was it easier to concentrate on driving? Were you more aware of your surroundings?
· If you completed the challenge, did not using your phone get easier with time?
· Did your driving actually improve?
· Are you willing to eliminate this distraction permanently?