“Put it down and focus on the road” – that’s the message to drivers in Florida as part of April’s Distracted Driving Awareness month.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), its division, Florida Highway Patrol, and partners are behind the initiative.
According to FLHSMV, last year more than 52,900 crashes occurred because of distracted driving in Florida, resulting in over 2,100 serious injuries and over 300 fatalities, the most since 2021.
The organization said texting remains one of the most prevalent and dangerous distractions because it takes a driver’s eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and they’re thinking about something other than driving.
“If you need to text, look up directions or take an important call, pull over to a safe location and put your car in park,” said FLHSMV.
“Or simply wait until you reach your destination. If you have a passenger, have them respond to calls or messages.”
Drivers are also reminded that distractions while driving also include, putting on makeup, tending to a child or passenger in the back seat, eating and drinking, adjusting the radio, or checking a car’s navigation system, and many more.
“Distracted driving is a dangerous choice that far too many Floridians are paying the price for,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner.
“Every 44 seconds, someone in our state is involved in a crash, and many of those tragedies could have been prevented with a moment of focus. As we recognize Distracted Driving Awareness Month, I urge every driver to put the phone down, limit distractions, and commit to driving with intention. The lives of your family, your neighbors, and everyone who shares the road with you depend on it.”
