The streets of New Territory aren’t always safe. Every day we hear and see complaints about drivers on our streets talking or texting on their cell phones, eating while driving, fiddling with the stereo or navigation system, or simply paying more attention to their passengers than they are the road. These are all forms of distracted driving. April is National Distracted Driving month. The message for the month from the National Safety Council is “When you are behind the wheel, your only job is to drive” (National Safety Council, 2024).
While many distractions exist while driving, cell phones are a top distraction because so many drivers use them every day. We have all seen drivers on the road distracted by a cell phone at one time or another. Unfortunately, we oftentimes do not realize that WE are the distracted driver.
While cell phones may be the most prominent form of distraction, more and more distractions are emerging every day. More than fifty percent of drivers believe that if manufacturers put “infotainment” dashboards and handsfree technology in vehicles, they must be safe (National Safety Council, 2024). Some states are focusing on handheld bans, but many drivers honestly believe they are making the safe choice by using a handsfree device (National Safety Council, 2024). However, these technologies distract us, and continue to do so long after we have stopped using them (National Safety Council, 2024).
For example, in 2022 one in 6 crashes on Texas roads were caused by distracted drivers. 487 people died and 2,824 were seriously injured by these distracted drivers (Texas Department of Transportation, 2024).
Texas has attempted to curb distraction by making texting and driving illegal. It has been illegal to read, write, or send a text while driving since 1997 in Texas (Texas Department of Transportation, 2024). Violating this law can result in a fine of up to $200 (Texas Department of Transportation, 2024).
While limiting distractions can be difficult, paying attention while driving saves lives. Here are some tips from the Texas Department of Transportation to avoid being a distracted driver:
· Remember that all distractions are dangerous, so pay full attention when behind the wheel.
· Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text.
· Put your phone away, turn it off, or use an app or “do not disturb” settings to block texts and calls, or send auto reply texts while you are driving.
· Tell friends and family you won’t respond to calls or texts when you are behind the wheel, and encourage them to do the same.
Per the Texas Department of Transportation, November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas Roadways (Texas Department of Transportation, 2024). On September 22, 2023, New Territory became part of this statistic. A distracted driver struck and killed New Territory resident Don Yeager as he crossed the street at New Territory Blvd and Heatherton Way. Accidents of this type can be avoided. Talk to your teens, your family, your friends about making a commitment to becoming attentive drivers.
In Don Yeager’s memory, New Territory, along with Don’s family and friends, is starting a new safety initiative called “Safety Starts at Home”. We hope to provide information and safety items that will help all our New Territory residents remain safe here in our home. This initiative will cover a different safety topic every month in the New Territory newsletter and email blasts, will be providing safety giveaways and information at all community events, and will be doing an awareness fun run and walk in the fall.
Our first event will be at Parkway Methodist Church’s Block Party at Parkway (5801 New Territory Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479) on April 13th from 10am-1pm.
To become involved in this important initiative, please visit our website at www.safetystartsathome.com, or email NTSafetyathome@gmail.com.