DriveSafeRideSafe Team Now Tackling Distracted Driving as Part of Creating Smarter Drivers, Safer Roads
Bonus segment on distracted driving added to popular "Roadworthy" DVD for parents of new drivers
MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Few road safety topics have generated as much conversation in recent years as distracted driving. Recognizing this trend, the team at DriveSafeRideSafe (http://www.drivesaferidesafe.com/) has produced a bonus segment for the organization's highly respected "Roadworthy" DVD. While "Roadworthy" is geared toward parents, anyone can watch the new bonus segment for free and pick up essential knowledge to be safer on the nation's highways and byways.
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"We're on a mission to make roads safer for everyone who travels them," remarked DriveSafeRideSafe's Kelly Cusick, a video editor and mother to four sons. "Our team is pragmatic, so our resources teach an action-oriented perspective about what's really necessary to drive – or ride – safely in a vehicle today."
"Distracted Driving: Surviving the New Drunk Driver" details many causes of distraction on the roads. Texting is at the top of the list because it diverts a driver's attention in three critical ways – visual, mental and physical, but tragic crashes happen every day from actions as simple as reaching for a drink. Even talking on a hands-free phone can make driving more dangerous.
Crash investigator and professional driving instructor Mike Pehl argues that distracted driving is as much a defensive driving issue as any other. Likewise, he urges people riding in vehicles to be co-pilots rather than just passengers; after all, thousands are injured or killed simply riding in cars every year.
Many of today's distracted driving public awareness campaigns emphasize how to be a more aware driver and put down the cell phone, food or makeup; what's sorely lacking, according to the DriveSafeRideSafe team, are strategies for identifying other drivers on the road who might be distracted. Other facets of the program include what to do in the fractions of a second before impact to reduce the risk of serious injury.
"All the statistical data in the world won't protect you from a distracted driver who happens to cross your path," explained Cusick. "Drivers need to have a plan in their minds, so that when a crash is imminent, they won't lose precious time being surprised or shocked."
Advocates of distracted driver awareness and legislation have applauded the new segment. "DriveSafeRideSafe's new distracted driving video takes a different approach to educating us about distracted driving — from the perspective that when we are on the roads we must be alert to the other drivers, many of whom will be distracted. This adds a needed and new dimension to the concept of 'defensive driving'; a very useful tool for driver's ed instructors," remarked Joel Feldman, Creator of End Distracted Driving (EndDD.org).
About DriveSafeRideSafe
The non-profit world is crowded with groups competing for grant money, and there will always be a limited number of donors for good causes. We at DriveSafeRideSafe don't want to compete with that. We want to contribute.
Our team's specific combination of skills gives us the ability to create valuable resources for a reasonable cost. We consider ourselves the partners of all those motivated to prevent unnecessary tragedies on the road.
DriveSafeRideSafe is the creation of Mike Pehl, Jayne Ubl and Kelly Cusick.
SOURCE DriveSafeRideSafe
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