Let’s face it: We're overwhelmed with potential distractions when we’re on the road. Rubbernecking at that fender-bender. Answering an urgent call from the boss. And wolfing down breakfast while rushing the kids to school.

While these may seem like mundane things that are of no concern while we’re behind the wheel, think about this grim fact: Distractions like these claimed the lives of at least 39 people on Arizona roadways in 2020.

Is that worthy of your attention?

ADOT is reminding drivers of how important it is to pay attention while on the road as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. While it’s important to avoid distractions at any time of year, this is a good time for all of us to think about what can happen when we become distracted in our vehicles.

Fatalities are just part of the danger. At least 8,110 crashes were attributed to distracted driving in Arizona in 2020, according to data collected by ADOT. And the number of distracted driving crashes and fatalities may be much higher because drivers may not admit to being distracted - or because the drivers die in a collision.

Drivers face consequences even if their distracted driving doesn’t result in a crash. Since 2021, Arizona drivers can face civil penalties because it is illegal for drivers to use hand-held mobile devices like cell phones or tablets while behind the wheel. Fines range between $75 and $149 for the first violation and additional violations can be as much as $250.

If you, or maybe a friend who is known to be easily distracted behind the wheel, need any more reminders of the dangers of distracted driving, check out ADOT’s “Distracted Drivers Terrify Me” campaign.

And the next time you’re on the road, remember to focus on the road so you get to your destination safely.

With the holiday season upon us, many will be traveling to see family and friends for Christmas and New Year’s. There’s also the possibility of receiving snow in the high country, which will attract day-trippers.

With these extra incentives to travel, it’s important to remember to not drive distracted. Distracted driving is dangerous and we’ve all heard and seen stories where tragedy strikes in a glance of a text.

If you’re traveling alone, drivers are urged to use phones to call or text at one of the state’s 15 rest areas. Once in a rest area, you can safely devote your attention to your device to make a call or send or respond to texts.

In 2020 in Arizona, more than 8,000 drivers involved in crashes were engaged in distracted driving behavior. But the real number is much higher because traffic safety stakeholders say many drivers don’t admit to being distracted or died in the crash.

The use of hand-held mobile devices, like smartphones and tablets, while driving is banned in Arizona. On all Arizona roadways, it is illegal for drivers to talk or text on a device that isn’t engaged in hands-free mode.

So, when traveling during the holiday season, spread some Christmas cheer by not driving distracted. Make use of the rest areas when nature calls, but also for making phone calls or sending texts while you’re safely off the road and not driving. 

While we’re on the topic, check out ADOT’s Emmy Award-winning distracted driving awareness campaign, “Distracted Drivers Terrify Me.”

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 – 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!

Officially, April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Unofficially, we all should be diligent about reducing distracted driving every day of the year.

In 2019 in Arizona, more than 10,000 drivers involved in crashes were engaged in distracted driving behavior. But the real number is potentially much higher because traffic safety stakeholders say some drivers don’t admit to being distracted or died in the crash.

Earlier this year, civil penalties for violations of Arizona’s hands-free law went into effect. Drivers who talk or text on a device that is not engaged in hands-free mode may receive a fine between $75 and $149 for the first violation and subsequent violations can be as much as $250.

While ADOT doesn’t police roadways for distracted drivers, we’re doing our part to increase awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. We’ve created a series of off-beat public service announcements that feature people doing activities most of us find terrifying.

What do the fearless fear? Distracted drivers, of course.

All of ADOT’s distracted driving PSAs can be found at azdot.gov/terrify.