From the Director: Why all the buzz about distracted driving?

Why all the “buzz” about distracted driving? With more than 10,000 drivers involved in crashes who were engaged in distracted driving behavior in our state in 2019, it is a stark reminder how important it is to be a responsible driver when you get behind the wheel.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month. I wish we didn’t have to dedicate a month to bring attention to the dangers of distracted driving. But with the number of crashes rising and the inattentive drivers we see daily on our roads, we need to call attention to this public safety issue.

At the Arizona Department of Transportation, we launched a distracted driving awareness campaign last year called “Distracted Drivers Terrify Me.” The campaign features regular people doing jobs most of us would find frightening &dnash; a snake handler, to an electrical lineman, to a high-rise window washer. We now have added a beekeeper to the 30-second public service announcement videos. You can watch them at azdot.gov/terrify.

We need to change driver behavior – a message I have shared more than once. Being a responsible driver is the key to reducing the number of crashes and keeping our roadways safe for everyone. 

Don’t “bee” a distracted driver!