Bryan Ward - Distracted Driving

Avoiding driver distraction

• Switch mobile phones OFF when driving. It is illegal to send or receive text messages or calls on hand-held mobile phones while driving
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• Make sure your car's windscreen and mirrors are clean and adjust all of the controls (including radio/stereo) before setting off, or pull over safely to do so.
• If you're unfamiliar with the route, check on a map before starting the journey or have someone read out directions. If you need to look at the map, safely pull over to the roadside.
• Take regular breaks rather than eating, drinking or smoking while driving.
• Ask passengers to be quiet if you're having difficulty concentrating.

Put pets in the back seat, not on your lap airbag deployment or a vehicle sudden stop may result in serious injury or death to your pet

In 2014, driver distraction was a contributing factor in 21 fatal crashes

In 2014, driver distraction was a contributing factor in 159 serious injury crashes

Driving needs your full attention. Driver distraction is a serious road safety issue. Essentially, anything that diverts a driver's attention for more than two seconds can significantly increase the likelihood of a crash or near-crash.

Distraction occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted away from concentrating on driving, towards competing events, objects or people.

In 2014, driver inattention/distraction was a contributing factor in 20 fatal crashes, 159 serious injury crashes, and 873 minor injury crashes.