ATA Urges Motorists to Remain Attentive on the Road

ARLINGTON, Va., April 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, as part of National Distracted Driving Month, American Trucking Associations is urging motorists to put their cell phones away and focus on safe driving while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. 

"Each year, thousands of people are killed in crashes related to distractions," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "We urge motorists to put down their phones and keep their eyes and minds on the road."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,100 people were killed and another 424,000 were injured in distraction-related crashes in 2013, while an improvement over the previous year, ATA still believes more needs to be done.

Some of the country's most professional and safe drivers, the America's Road Team, have some important information on the dangers of distraction, which can include electronic distractions, like navigation systems and cell phones, or more conventional distractions, like interacting with passengers and eating.  

Did you know?

• Writing or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 MPH, that's like driving the length of a football field – blindfolded.
• If you text while you're behind the wheel, you're 20 times more likely to be involved in a crash than a non-distracted driver.
• Talking on a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity devoted to driving by 37%.
• 45 states and the District of Columbia ban text messaging for all drivers.
• 14 states and the District of Columbia prohibit hand-held cell phone use by all drivers.
• Young people are especially at risk: In 2011, 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.

Safety Tips:

• Stay Focused – Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.  One small distraction can cause an accident.
• Put Electronics Away – Put your cell phone away, as well as all electronics, while behind the wheel.  Nothing is more important than getting to your destination safely.
• Plan Your Trip – Plan your route ahead of time so you aren't distracted looking at a map or navigation system.  Pay attention to highway signs and traffic.
• Be Aware of Blindspots – Trucks have large blindspots in front, back and either side. Try to avoid lingering in this space and do not cut in front of a truck.
• Be a Good Passenger - Speak up if the driver in your car is distracted.

"Highway safety is everyone's responsibility," said America's Road Team Captain Henry Bruster with UPS Freight, Woodville, Miss. "If we all devote more attention to the task of driving and less to our phones, it goes a long way to making sure everyone finishes their trip safely."

The America's Road Team, sponsored by Volvo Trucks, is a national public outreach program led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway. www.americasroadteam.com.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward.

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SOURCE American Trucking Associations

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