October is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and given my line of work, I couldn’t let the month pass without sharing the latest statistics and encouraging you to drive distraction-free.

Keep in mind that when you hear “distracted driving,” it means anything that takes your eyes or mind off the task of driving. While checking your phone may be the main thing that comes to mind, it also includes eating, grooming, reaching for fallen objects, changing the radio or console controls, or lively interactions with passengers.

• In 2021, motor vehicle accidents killed nearly 43,000 people. That’s up from about 33,000 in 2012 and a 16-year high.
• Data from the 2021 Travelers Risk Index shows distracted driving has worsened post-pandemic. Consider the following increase in driving behaviors:
  • Texting or emailing: 26% (up from 19% pre-pandemic).
  • Browsing social media: 20% (up from 13% pre-pandemic).
  • Taking videos and pictures: 19% (up from 10% pre-pandemic).
  • Shopping online: 17% (up from 8% pre-pandemic).
• According to a March 2022 survey, two-thirds of drivers (66%) say that holding a cell phone to talk, text, or use an app while driving is dangerous, yet half (51%) admitted to doing it anyway.

I’m urging everyone I know this month to commit to driving distraction-free. To help you and all the drivers in your family make the commitment, check out Enddd.org and their Family Safe Driving Agreement.

Drive safe, and let me know if I can help you in any way.