Driver distraction occurs when drivers divert their attention from driving to focus on some other activity. This risky behavior poses a danger to everyone on the road. Discussions regarding distracted driving often center around cell phone use and texting, but distracted driving also includes other activities such as eating, talking to other passengers, or adjusting the radio or climate controls.

■ Nine percent of fatal crashes, 15 percent of injury crashes, and 15 percent of all police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2019 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.

■ In 2019 there were 3,142 people killed and an estimated additional 424,000 people injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

■ Six percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2019 were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes.

Share these tips with all of your drivers to keep them aware!

Avoiding Distractions

• Do not drink alcohol before driving.
• Do not read or write while driving. Complete driver paperwork while the vehicle is stopped and parked in a safe area.
• Do not try to type, text or read messages on a computer or satellite communication system while driving. Pull off the road at a safe and legal parking location to perform these tasks.
• Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations with passengers in the vehicle.
• Do not let occupants of other vehicles distract you from your focus on driving.
• Get adequate sleep before any trip. Fatigue decreases attention and reaction time.
• Avoid taking any medication that can cause drowsiness, either before the trip or while driving. Be sure to read the label carefully. Consult with your physician regarding alternate medications that do not cause drowsiness.
• Review driving directions and maps and check traffic and weather conditions before your trip.
• Clean and adjust all mirrors for best all-around visibility before starting the vehicle.
• Pre-select and pre-load your favorite music before driving.
• Turn off cell phones. Pull off the road in a safe and legal place when making or receiving a call on a cell phone. Even hands-free devices have proven to be a driving distraction that cause collisions.
• Clear the vehicle of unnecessary objects.
• Become familiar with the location and use of in-cab controls before you start driving.
• Postpone eating and drinking until the vehicle is safely stopped. Many collisions have occurred by just “getting a sandwich out of the cooler” while driving.
• Avoid being distracted by billboards or other forms of non-driving related signs.
• Be observant of pedestrians, but do not let them be a distraction to your driving.
• Always keep your emotions under control when in stressful driving situations.
• Look for these same distractions in other drivers and give them plenty of room. Drive defensively.
• Plan for and expect the unexpected, always leave yourself an out.