Mike Tooley, Director
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In 2013, 3,154 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and an estimated additional 424,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver. That same year, eleven percent of fatal crashes were reported as distraction-affected crashes.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to distract them from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing.
Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent –at 55 mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind.
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous of all distracted driving activities, because it takes your hands off the wheel and eyes and mind off the road.
Watch a video of distracted driving with catastrophic consequences. Zero Fatalities: Reggie Shaw's Story
For more information on distracted driving, see additional information from:
Cell phones aren't the only distraction when driving, other distractions listed on Montana crash reports include:
YOUa distraction?
Distractions are deadly, especially for teen drivers. You can ride like a friend by wearing a seat belt, reducing distractions, respecting the driver, and helping the driver if asked. These safe passenger behaviors will help reduce crash risk and injuries and deaths if crashes do occur.
, Supervisor
State Highway Traffic Safety Section
406-444-7417
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