Distracted Driving Awareness Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Distracted Driving Awareness Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Distracted Driving Awareness Month is celebrated on April 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you might want to know about Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

📅 What day is Distracted Driving Awareness Month 2024?

In 2024, Distracted Driving Awareness Month is on Saturday, April 1st. It is the 1st Saturday in April; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all fascinating details and facts about April 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Please refrain from using your phone while driving and instead focus on the road ahead. April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. A survey by a phone company reveals that almost all children acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, yet half of them still engage in this risky behavior. Even though glancing at your phone may seem harmless for a few seconds, at a speed of 60 mph, your attention is diverted for the length of a football field. It is crucial to prioritize safety and avoid texting while operating a vehicle.

📜 Distracted Driving Awareness Month History

Distracted driving was rarely covered in the media back then, and it was never seen as a widespread problem. However, Shelley saw things differently. She believed that if she could share Erica’s story with enough people, it could prevent others from experiencing the same tragedy her family had endured. So, Shelley became an independent safety speaker and founded the Focus Driven advocacy group. Over the next decade, she spoke at various events and appeared on popular shows like Oprah and Larry King Live. Rep. Betsy Markey was interested in Erica’s story and invited Shelley to speak at a safety conference in 2010.

In today’s world, stories like Shelley’s are unfortunately all too common and completely preventable. In 2018 alone, 4,637 people died in car accidents caused by using cell phones and electronic devices. This month, we are working hard to significantly reduce that number, and your participation could save a life. So, please join us in making a conscious effort to refrain from using our phones while driving. By doing so, we can create safer roads for everyone.

✅ Distracted Driving Awareness Month Facts

🔖 Teens are at a huge risk
Drivers who are teenagers have a significantly higher rate of fatal collisions compared to drivers who are 20 years old and older.

🔖 Teens are not better at texting
More than 58% of teen accidents are caused by driver distraction.

🔖 You’re at a huge risk
Texting significantly increases the chances of an accident or near-crash by 23 times.

👍 Why Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month Important

People who text and drive spend 10% of their time driving outside their lane. Yikes.

Texting while driving is illegal in 43 of America’s 50 states. It is prohibited in South Dakota, New Mexico, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Arizona just expanded its “dangerous driving” regulations to include texting.

Texters are six times more likely to cause a vehicle accident than drunk drivers. Isn’t that terrifying? Answer: Extremely.

🙂 How To Observe Distracted Driving Awareness Month

⚡ Take a roadtrip with friends
Not only is this a great opportunity to strengthen relationships, but it also allows you to spend time with your friends. Additionally, it is considered impolite to text while in the presence of others.

⚡ Drive responsibly
Of course! It’s completely fine if your friend has to wait until you’re back home to know if you’ll be able to go to Josh’s party. Our main priority is that you are safe and alive to join in on the celebration.

⚡ Listen to music, podcasts, or audio books
I think it’s great that there is a better option than texting while driving. Instead of arguing about what to have for dinner, it’s much more interesting to listen to music or watch an exciting battle scene.

📅 When is Distracted Driving Awareness Month?

See all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Distracted Driving Awareness Month. So be sure to check back soon.