Frederick, Md. (DG) – AAA is reminding drivers that even the simplest habits behind the wheel can quickly turn dangerous, as April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Experts say actions like checking a text message, scrolling on your phone, eating a meal, or adjusting your GPS can take your attention off the road at the worst possible moment. Looking down at a phone for just a few seconds or reaching for food can delay reaction time, increase the chance of missing traffic signals, or lead to drifting into another lane.
Nationwide, more than 3,000 people are killed each year in crashes involving distracted drivers. And in Maryland, the impact is even more widespread-nearly 46 percent of all crashes in 2023 involved distraction, totaling more than 50,000 incidents. Those crashes led to 216 deaths and nearly 21,000 injuries.
AAA says distractions don’t just involve your hands-they also affect your focus. Drivers are urged to put phones away, avoid eating while driving, and stay fully engaged every time they’re on the road.
By: Dianah Gibson
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