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Buckle up and phone down.
Distracted driving continues to be a serious issue on the roadways. In Wisconsin alone, more than 9,000 crashes involve distracted driving every year. On average, these crashes kill twenty or more and injure around four thousand a year. Experts and common sense say the best way to stay safe on the road is to be aware of what a distraction is. Anything that prevents someone from giving their full attention to the road while driving, including checking your phone, changing the radio station, adjusting your GPS, eating, drinking, and so much more, can be a distraction.

When driving distracted, you not only put yourself at risk you also put others in the car and on the road at risk. Everyone has or will be guilty of this at some time, however, new young drivers are at the highest risk of driving distracted. It is important as parents to reiterate the risk of distractions and the tragedy they can cause to teens new to the roadway. One way is to lead by example and not use your phone in the car, and avoid other distractions while driving. Seventy-five percent of drivers have admitted to being guilty of this. Another big one that most are guilty of and can help prevent injury or death is to buckle up.

The WisDOT challenges Wisconsin to put safety first by taking two of the most basic actions while driving to prevent a crash. Use your seatbelt every time you are in a vehicle and put your phone down while driving. Take the pledge now and commit to doing your part to make Wisconsin roadways safer.

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