April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and UC Davis Children’s Hospital is highlighting the dangers of texting while driving.
Every year, half a million people are injured or killed in traffic-related deaths due to texting while driving. A recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association found that the use of smart phones by pedestrians and drivers have contributed to an increase in people killed nationally after being struck by vehicles.
In California, it is illegal to hold a cellphone while driving. For drivers under 18, it is illegal to use a cellphone while driving, even hands free.
To prevent texting while driving, follow these tips:
- Put your phone out of reach.
- Use an app to block incoming texts or calls. Some apps can send an auto response back, letting the sender know that you are driving and will respond when you are parked.
- If you are going to use your phone for navigational purposes, make sure that it is mounted to the dashboard.
- Make a commitment to not use your phone while driving.