April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to reflect on how we can all make safer choices behind the wheel. The Injury Prevention Center (IPC), a program of Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health, is committed to promoting road safety through initiatives like Watch for Me CT and Safe Kids Connecticut, which provide valuable tools to raise awareness and encourage safe driving habits.
Raising awareness about distracted driving is especially critical for teens, the age group most impacted by distractions at the wheel. Many young drivers may not fully understand how even a brief moment of inattention can lead to life-altering consequences. When you pair that with inexperience, the risks multiply significantly.
Why Distractions Are So Dangerous
The danger is clear: when your eyes leave the road, you lose awareness of your surroundings. At just 40 mph, a vehicle travels roughly 60 feet per second. Taking your eyes off the road for a mere few seconds is equivalent to driving the length of a football field without seeing what’s in front of you.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023, over 3,200 people lost their lives, and it’s estimated that more than 324,000 were injured in crashes caused by distracted driving in the United States alone. Young drivers—ages 15 to 20—have the highest percentage of distraction-related fatalities.
Understanding the Three Types of Distraction
Distracted driving goes far beyond texting. There are three main types:
- Manual distractions: Taking your hands off the wheel (e.g., eating or reaching for something).
- Visual distractions: Taking your eyes off the road (e.g., checking your GPS or looking at a billboard).
- Cognitive distractions: Taking your mind off driving (e.g., daydreaming or thinking about something else).
Using a phone while driving often involves all three, making it one of the most dangerous distractions.
How Parents Can Help
Parents play a vital role in shaping safe driving habits. That influence starts even before teens get behind the wheel. Teens tend to mirror what they see, so lead by example. Avoid distractions while driving, keep your phone out of reach, and limit the use of hands-free devices, which can still divert your attention.
Just as importantly, have open, honest conversations with your teen about the risks of distracted driving. Help them understand how quickly a small lapse in focus can lead to serious consequences.
Resources to Support Safer Driving
The IPC offers helpful resources to support both teens and parents.
- Safe Kids Connecticut features a Teen Safe Driving section with practical tips and tools for new drivers.
- Watch for Me CT provides broader road safety education for all drivers.
Stay Focused. Stay Safe.
Distracted driving is never worth the risk, no matter your age. For teens, especially, the stakes are high. Before you get behind the wheel, make a commitment to stay focused and eliminate distractions. Your attention can save lives, including your own.