On April 2, Safe Communities released its crash data.
There has been one fatal crash to date compared to five last year at this time, said Sandy Wiechman, coordinator.
Ms. Wiechman also pointed out that April is Distracted Driving Month, and urges drivers to pay attention while driving.
Distracted driving comes in many forms, but texting and cell phone use while driving has become the most prevalent type of distracted driving.
If a text message is expected or needs to be sent, the driver should pull over and park the car in a safe location.
If there is a passenger, make him or her the designated texter. Provide them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
She also recommends activating the phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat to allow full attention to the road.
“When you get behind the wheel, be an example to your family and friends by putting your phone away,” Ms. Wiechman said. “Just because other people do it doesn’t mean texting and driving is ‘normal’ behavior,” she added.
She encourages drivers to listen to their passenger when they tell you to put away the phone.
