Pledge to Fight Car Accidents in Modesto through National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

 Every year, the Modesto Injury Attorneys and the National Safety Council (NSC) works to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while distracted.

During the month of April, we urge drivers to hang up the phone behind the wheel and participate in National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

With this year's anti-distraction campaign, we are urging drivers throughout the state to take the pledge to drive distraction free.https://askcompetentlawyer.com/business-torts/ The campaign may only be a month long, but we're asking drivers to make the pledge for life.

In 2010, there were about 3,000 people who were killed in distraction-related car accidents in Modesto and elsewhere. The saddest thing about these kinds of traffic accidents is that they're completely preventable.

All drivers have to do is toss away their cell phone or text messaging device while the vehicle is in drive. The first step toward making this change is to help drivers to understand the very real and dangerous risks associated with this driving habit.

A number of studies have proven that the human brain is not able to efficiently focus on two demanding tasks at the same time. In recent studies, it was proven that the brain function is depleted by nearly 40 percent when a driver attempts to use a cell phone and drive at the same time. You may think you can do it, but you'd be wrong. Any little distraction will take focus off of the roadway. Don't risk it.

For National Distracted Driving Awareness Month 2012, we're asking all California drivers to make a pledge to curb the distractions behind the wheel. Taking this pledge, and following through, may be one of the easiest and most effective ways to help improve the safety of our roadways.

Take the Pledge:

-Keep cell phones, text messaging devices and other electronics out of the driver's seat while the vehicle is on.

-Vow to stay away from hands-free devices, too. They're no safer than hand-held devices.

-Speak up if you're riding with a driver who is engaging in distractions. Your intervention could help to save a life.

-Share the message about the risks and dangers that are associated with distracted driving with your friends and family members.

According to the National Safety Council, about 25 percent of car accidents involve a cell phone-using driver. Driving is a difficult task that involves eye, hand and brain coordination. Nothing should hinder this coordination, especially a cell phone.

"While many understand the dangers, they still use their cell phones when they drive. We hope people will take the pledge this April to help prevent needless tragedies and keep our roadways safer," said Janet Froetscher with the National Safety Council.