NCDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Focused During National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is reminding drivers to stay alert and focused behind the wheel to help prevent crashes and save lives during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes across North Carolina, with texting and cell phone use contributing to many of these incidents.

Why it matters

Distracted driving is a major safety concern in North Carolina, with transportation officials emphasizing that staying focused while driving can significantly reduce crashes and injuries. By eliminating distractions, drivers can better react to sudden changes and keep themselves and others safe on the roads.

The details

NCDOT offers several recommendations to help drivers remain focused, including avoiding texting or talking on a phone while driving, not eating while driving, programming radio stations or music devices before beginning a trip, keeping the stereo at a moderate volume, designating a front-seat passenger as a 'co-pilot' to assist with navigation, and completing personal grooming at home, not in the vehicle. Drivers should also remain alert to outside distractions, such as avoiding reading roadside signs or watching activity for extended periods, not stopping to talk with people outside their vehicle, and only allowing passengers to enter the vehicle when parked safely.

• April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.