Putting an end to distracted driving

We’ve all done it – glanced at a text, unwrapped a muffin or fiddled with the radio station while we’re driving. We may have been lucky so far, but no matter the reason or duration, distracted driving can be deadly. Since April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Austin Transportation Department, Police Department and Capital Metro are partnering to educate the community that simple changes in behavior behind the wheel can save lives. Said Austin Transportation Director Robert Spillar in an announcement about the campaign, “As we work to end traffic deaths and serious injuries on our roadways, we’re asking everyone to pitch in. That means everyone should stay focused on the road and point out distracted driving behavior when they see it.” Austin Police Chief Brian Manley didn’t mince words: “There is no excuse for distracted driving,” he says. “Put your phone down and pay attention to the roads when you are driving.” Distracted driving, speeding, drunken driving and failure to yield are the “fatal four” behaviors that collectively contribute to more than half of all serious injury and fatal crashes in Austin. The distracted driving awareness campaign will be rolling out a series of educational materials in an effort to raise awareness around these critical topics. And throughout the month of April, APD will be focusing special attention on areas where vehicle accident data show a high frequency of distracted driving.