Put the phone down during Distracted Driving Awareness Month

It’s April once again, and that means it’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

You might think it’s not a big deal to take your eyes off the road for just a moment to check that notification that came through on your phone. 

But, think about this: In 2023, there were 83 fatalities due to distracted driving. 

That isn’t a small number and the true number is probably much higher.

Additionally, there were 8,629 crashes involving distracted driving in 2023, according to statewide crash reports compiled by ADOT. And according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 people were killed in distracted driving crashes in 2023.

These numbers are also likely an undercount because drivers may not disclose to law enforcement they were driving distracted or because a distracted driver died in the crash.  

All of these crashes and fatalities were preventable. 

It’s on all of us to make better decisions behind the wheel. Any text or email can wait until you’re safely at your destination.

Not only is it important to stay alert and stay off your phone while driving to keep you and others safe, Arizona’s Hands-Free Law makes it illegal to use a stand-alone electronic device while driving, unless the device is in hands-free mode. Drivers can be fined and face criminal penalties for violating Arizona’s Hands-Off Law. 

Don’t drive distracted. Keep your eyes forward and your phones down so we all get home safely.