April is distracted driving month, and the Department of Transportation is launching a new campaign it hopes will resonate with motorists. Several states have banned texting while driving—37 in all—but only 10 have banned both texting and the use of a hand-held cell phone. Not coincidentally, California, which adopted the laws two years ago, has seen a 22 percent reduction in fatalities on the road. The DOT is hoping its “One Text or Call Could Wreck it All” campaign may remind drivers how dangerous a seemingly innocuous text or call can be. Additionally, the DOT has released a “Don’t Be A Zombie” video, which you can watch below. The video likens using your phone while driving to being a zombie, as you pay one-third less attention to the road. With thousands of fatalities in the U.S. each year due to distracted driving, you’d think this would be a no-brainer. Then again, we’re all a little guilty of not paying full attention at times, and considering the potential consequences, the message is worth heeding.
Source: DOT
