VOLUSIA/FLAGLER – April is officially recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month by national safety organizations, including the National Safety Council and NHTSA. These groups, along with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Volusia-Flagler TPO, all work diligently to educate people on the dangers of distracted driving.

Distracted driving is a preventable threat on our roads. In 2023 alone, 3,275 people were killed in crashes involving distraction—a reminder that even a few seconds of inattention can have life‑altering consequences. On average, nine people are killed every day in distracted driving crashes, underscoring the urgency to change our behaviors.

Common Distractions Behind the Wheel

According to NHTSA, the most widespread distractions include:

  • Texting, calling, or scrolling apps on a cellphone

  • Fiddling with in‑car touchscreens or GPS devices

  • Adjusting the radio, eating, drinking, or grooming

Even these small distractions can take your focus away from the critical seconds that are needed to avoid a crash.

10 Ways to Stay Distraction-Free

1. Silence and stow your phone before you roll.

Put your phone where you can’t reach it (glove box, trunk, or back seat) and turn on Do Not Disturb.

2. Set it—and forget it. 

Program your destination and playlists and adjust your mirrors and climate controls before shifting into drive to avoid mid‑trip fiddling.

3. Make a passenger your “designated texter.” 

If a call or message can’t wait, have a passenger respond so you can keep your attention on the road.

4. No scrolling at stoplights. 

Hands‑free and eyes‑free are the goal; handling a device—even when stopped—keeps your brain off the task of driving.

5. Eat at the table, not behind the wheel. 

Food and drinks require your hands and your attention.

6. Pull over for anything urgent. 

Whether it’s a call, a dropped item, or a back‑seat issue, find a safe place to park before addressing it.

7. Be a role model for young drivers. 

Teens mirror adult behavior; show them that focused driving is non‑negotiable.

8. Speak up as a passenger. 

If your driver starts to text or gets distracted, say something.

9. Use tech to reduce temptation. 

Activate built‑in “Do Not Disturb While Driving” modes or app‑blocking tools before trips to minimize alerts and auto‑reply to texts.

10. Remember who’s counting on you. 

Every trip has people waiting for your safe arrival—family, coworkers, friends. Keep them in mind each time you drive.

Distracted Driving Resources for Further Information:

NHTSA: April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

National Safety Council: Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Traffic Safety Marketing: “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign dates & materials

FMCSA: Distracted Driving Awareness Resources for workplaces and CMV drivers

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR