Buckle Up, Phone Down.
In Virginia, it’s illegal to operate a moving motor vehicle while holding a phone – but drivers seem to do it all the time!
How can you protect yourself against distracted drivers?
- Buckle-Up! It’s your best defense against an impaired, distracted, or reckless driver.
- Put down your phone. You need your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel so you can react to hazards (such as distracted drivers).
Do you know…
- Nearly 25% of Virginia drivers do not wear their seat belts.
Do you know…
- Each day, 9 people are killed and over 1,000 are injured in crashes involving distracted driving.
Take action against distraction…
- Download an app. Enable a “Do Not Disturb” app to block incoming calls or messaging while the vehicle is in motion.
- Park before eating. Before you spill anything, pull into a safe space to eat or drink.
- Hands-free isn’t risk-free. Even if the phone isn’t in your hand, there are still dangers involved when a driver doesn’t fully concentrate on the road.
- Be a good passenger. Do your best to help the driver and be an extra set of eyes on the road.
- Have a plan. Plan to silence your phone, turn it off, or put it somewhere out of reach when you’re driving.
- Have a strong, clear policy. Make it a rule: No handheld phones while driving.
- Protect yourself. A seat belt is your best defense against a distracted driver.
- Speak up. Request your driver stop driving distracted. After all, your life is in their hands.
- Change your voicemail. Notify callers that you are driving or otherwise unavailable.
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