It’s easy to get distracted while behind the wheel of a car, but when you lose focus you’re also likely to lose control.

This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.

You’re likely guilty of it: Quickly checking a text while cruising down the highway. Messing with the radio station and forgetting to look up at the road. Zoning out and running that stop sign or missing a red light.

What Is Distracted Driving?

There were 3,142 deaths due to distracted driving in 2019 (NHTSA). This includes visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Eating lunch, programing your navigation, and talking on your phone are all forms of distracted driving.

In Tuscarawas County there were 2,066 vehicle crashes in 2020; 11 of those accidents were fatal. You can prevent distracted driving. Law enforcement and local businesses, government, and schools encourage you to take action.

Parents- be a good example for your teens and kids. Never drive while distracted. Talk with your teen or young adult about staying alert and focused while behind the wheel. Ask everyone in the family to sign or take a pledge against distracted driving.

Teens- you are the best example for your peers! Speak up when you see a friend driving with distractions. Ask your friends to take a pledge to drive safely and share messages about safe driving on social media.

For more information on how the Safe Communities of Tuscarawas County are working together to prevent traffic accidents, check out http://www.tchdnow.org/safe-communities.html. Please visit www.tchdnow.org or find them on Facebook for more information about the Tuscarawas County Health Department and their services.