Club Working with Others to Reduce Distracted Driving
Indianapolis, IN - Oct. 1, 2009 - Currently, more than 300 safety experts, researchers, elected officials and members of the public are gathering in Washington, D.C. to share their experiences, provide feedback and develop recommendations for reducing the growing safety risk that distracted driving is imposing on our nation’s roadways.
It is estimated that in 2008, 5,870 people lost their lives due to distracted driving, which includes both the distracted drivers as well as their innocent victims. These deaths accounted for 16 percent of the total number of motor vehicle fatalities seen in the U.S. last year which is more than a 30 percent increase over 2007 numbers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
AAA is stepping forward by making a commitment to help enact laws in all 50 states by the year 2013 that will make it illegal for drivers of all ages to send, write, or read a text message or e-mail while their vehicle is in motion. Currently, 18 states and D.C. have enacted such laws for all drivers, and multiple surveys show that 80 to 90 percent of Americans support texting bans.
In addition, AAA and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety are calling on all drivers to pledge their participation in “Heads Up Driving Week” which runs Monday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 11.
“We are asking everyone to rethink their driving behavior and take the first step toward becoming distraction-free by trying it for a week,” said Greg Seiter, public affairs manager of AAA Hoosier Motor Club.
On the local level, Hamilton County students from Noblesville, Westfield and Carmel high schools are doing their part as well as they prepare to kick-off a new “Buckle Down” program in their respective schools.
This pilot program is being developed by SNAP in Hamilton County and various community partners and is designed to be a student led program in the individual schools.
The mission of Buckle Down is to reduce teen injuries and fatalities caused by crashes through the promotion of seat belt usage by every person on every trip and to eliminate dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving and driver distractions.
“The unique student-led activities in the Buckle Down program promise to engage our teens in meaningful awareness of dangerous habits,” Seiter said.
Students participating, who have displayed good choices and good driving habits during the program, will be eligible for prizes and awards, including the grand prize…a car! The vehicle, donated by Don Hinds Ford in Fishers, IN, will be on display at the Westfield High School’s home football game tomorrow (Oct. 2).
“We must act now to stop distracted driving from becoming a deadly epidemic on our roadways,” Seiter said. “AAA Hoosier Motor Club is excited and proud to be part of each of these efforts.”
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