The “Decide to Drive” Program Increases Awareness About the Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted Driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.

~National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Lately I have been thinking a lot my driving – especially while driving around with my daughter in the car. A good friend of mine was driving her four kids and turned her head back to look at them for one moment and the next thing she knew, the wheel went up onto the curb and the car flipped on its’ side. Thankfully everyone was okay but her story demonstrated to me how it can only take a moment of distraction for an accident to occur. I put my cell phone in my purse away from my hands so I won’t be tempted to check emails, etc., while at stop signs. Even this simple act could be dangerous. I know firsthand about the importance of watching all lanes, especially when crossing a four lane intersection. Last year my husband was driving home from work and a car ran a red light and almost hit my husband’s car. Luckily, my husband was watching the other lane and saw him coming and was able to swerve and miss getting hit. It is those situations we need to be aware of and stay focused.

I know many of us have seen people texting or talking on the phone. Gosh, I saw a woman putting on her mascara while driving her car. Talk about a distraction! Not sure how good she looked heading into work – but jokes aside, I am happy to be working with the Auto Alliance and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons along with our partners, the automakers, who would rather help all drivers “decide to drive” each time they get in the car and to keep bones and limbs intact. Remember, the most advanced safety feature of any vehicle 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. I think this is a good reminder for all of us! “Decide to Drive” each and every time you get into your car and focus on being the best driver you can be. I know I can find myself getting distracted but then I think about the precious cargo (my family) I have in the backseat and make it my #1 priority to keep us all safe. So next time you feel yourself not focusing on the wheel at hand – remind yourself and say these three words – Decide to Drive. I know it can sound silly but think about what’s at stake! You can read more about the “Decide to Drive” campaign here. This would be a great place to visit with your teenage driver!

Note! Make sure to enter the Decide to Drive Catchphrase Contest. The contest will run May 30 – June 13, 2014! You could win a $500 or $1000 Visa Gift Card!