Parenting comes with distractions- a lot of them. While it’s impossible to avoid much of the chaos that comes with every stage and age, one place we need to stay focused is on the road. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a good opportunity to assess, and possibly change, our driving habits.
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
According to the United States Department of Transportation, distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. In fact, distracted driving killed 3,522 people in 2021. As parents, we are constantly trying to multitask. Unfortunately, this sometimes means we are tempted to check items off of our “to do” list while driving.
The USDT reminds us that Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a good time to regroup and take responsibility for the choices we make when we’re on the road. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking. The USDT warns drivers that these actions can rob you of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.
Distracted Driving is Dangerous and Illegal
Most parents would never intentionally put their children in danger. What we often forget, though, is that every distraction during driving increases the risk of injury and death. NHTSA’s Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign reminds drivers of the deadly dangers and the legal consequences – including fines – of texting and other forms of messaging behind the wheel.
In Ohio, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads. If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over.
The new distracted driving law, found in Section 4511.204 of the Ohio Revised Code, details the penalties for distracted driving:
- 1st offense in two years: 2 points assessed to driver’s license, up to a $150 fine.*
- 2nd offense in two years: 3 points assessed to license, up to a $250 fine.
- 3rd or more offense in two years: 4 points assessed to license, up to a $500 fine, possible 90-day suspension of driver license.
- Fines doubled if the violation occurs in a work zone.
* Completion of a distracted driving course can help avoid the fine and points.
NHTSA Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving:
- Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location.
- Designate your passenger as your “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
- Do not scroll through apps while driving. Struggling not to text and drive? Put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.
Help Spread Awareness
- Remind your friends and family: If you’re in the driver’s seat, it’s the only thing you should be doing. No distractions.
- If your driver is texting or otherwise distracted, tell them to stop and focus on the road.
- Ask your friends to join you in pledging not to drive distracted. You could save a life. Share your pledge on social media to spread the word — #JustDrive.
