DRIVE FOCUSED

Turn off those distractions, whatever they may be .

DISTRACTED DRIVING

Driving distracted is dangerous. In fact, 80% of drivers identified distracted driving as a top factor contributing to traffic deaths and injuries in Utah. Driving is a privilege and with that privilege comes responsibilities. As a driver, you are responsible to pay attention and focus on driving. Be determined to turn off those distractions whatever they may be. Those little distractions are costing lives on our roads and the truth is, we can all drive better behind the wheel. Drive focused.

Follow these steps to change the “Do Not Disturb” settings on your phone.

1085 ECHO: TEXTING TRAGEDY

Reggie Shaw, a Utah native, shares his story of how his decision to text while driving killed two men.

BAILEE’S STORY

Phones aren’t the only distractions on the road that are destroying lives.

ANYTHING THAT TAKES THE DRIVER’S ATTENTION OFF THE ROAD IS A DISTRACTION.

TEXTING OR USING CELL

Talking to passengers

Navigation System

Watching a video

Eating or Drinking

Adjusting Music Players

Reading

Grooming

Tending Children

Don't be a PHONEY

Driving distracted is deadly for everyone. So don’t be a phoney. Put your cell phone away when you’re driving.

TEXTING AND WALKING IS HARD

People texting and walking can be funny, but the consequences of texting and driving can be much more serious – even deadly. Put your phone away when you are in the car… and when you are in the movie theater.

WARNING SIGNS AND WHAT TO DO

A key warning sign to watch for is when you notice that you are focused on anything other than the roadway or the vehicles around you. Are you paying too much attention to the cell phone or radio and not enough attention to the road? If so, it’s just not worth it. Anything can wait so that you and your family can arrive safely.

Focus only on driving
Have passengers answer your cell phone, change the CD, navigation, etc.
The safest time to use your cell phone in the car is when you reach your destination and have stopped
Make sure you and your vehicle are ready to go before you start driving
Never reach for anything in the car

1 in 4 car crashes involved Distracted Driving

4.6 seconds:

The average time a driver’s eyes are away from the road when sending or receiving a text message

Equals the length of a football field @ 60mph

If you text and drive you’re as dangerous as someone who is twice the legal limit

VIDEOS AND ONLINE ASSIGNMENTS

Dive into the world of multitasking myths and learn about the dangers of distracted driving in this short video. Find out why trying to do many things at once might not be as helpful as we think. We’ll also explore how texting or being distracted while driving can lead to serious consequences. Join us to discover why staying focused is crucial for safer roads and better driving habits.

Distracted Driving is Deadly

Assignment

Questionnaire: Distracted Driving

First Initial, Last Name

Class Period

Your Age

School

Teacher's Email

1- When you think you’re multitasking, your brain is just switching back and forth between the two tasks, and when those tasks require your active attention, you become less ________and more likely to make a_________.

2- If you choose to drive distracted or multitask behind the wheel, you can easily make a mistake and miss up to _______ of what you should be seeing on the road.

3- Just talking on a phone, even hands-free, is as dangerous as _________.

4- Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for around five seconds. At 55 miles per hour, what is it compared to?

5- Name 3 distractions that you see other drivers doing.

6- In your opinion, explain how those distractions can affect you and your safety.

7- True or False: Distracted driving is illegal.

8- In Bailee’s story, how many drivers were involved in the story, and how many of those drivers were distracted?

9- What can you do now to help others avoid distracted driving?

10- As you prepare for your driver license, what driving rules will you make for yourself to avoid distractions and stay focused?