421,000 people were injured – and 3,328 people were killed – in distracted driving crashes in 2012, the last year for which figures are available.
Distracted driving ( described as a driver doing any non-driving activity that can divert his/her attention away from his/her primary task: driving safely.] is dangerous. You will observe it as a driver who is driving erratically, cutting off other drivers, or tailgating. You may also actually see another driver texting, talking on a non-hands-free cell phone, eating, grooming, reading – including a highway map, changing a radio station, setting a navigation system.
Your response should be
* Maintain a safe distance
* Move into the right lane – to increase the likelihood that the distracted driver will pass you.
* Exit the road at the first safe opportunity, returning when the distracted driver has had time
to get ahead of your vehicle.
About your own driving: be aware that the definition of driving includes “operating a CMV on a highway including while temporarily stopped because of traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays.” There is just ONE exception to the rule that you cannot use your cell phone while driving ( see expanded definition): you may use a hand-held cell phone or text when necessary to communicate with law enforcement or other emergency services, to report a collision or safety issue.
Be Safe Out There!
