How a Community Can Try to Reduce Distracted Driving Accidents – Guest Post

Currently, in our world today, so many avoidable accidents have resulted from distracted driving. Drivers get distracted when answering phone calls, checking a text message, or just mentally zoning out while driving, which has led to serious injuries, property damage, and even the death of people.

Victims of accidents who are seeking compensation often hire the services of a distracted driving attorney if they want to get adequate compensation. Instead of relying only on tickets and penalties, there are other ways a community can try to reduce distracted driving accidents.

Public Education

Distracted driving can be reduced by raising awareness of it. Members of the community should raise public awareness on how to be safe while driving. Drivers should know how dangerous it is to text or call while driving.

This awareness can be done by organizing workshops in churches, schools, workplaces, and other social places. Billboards can be erected, and useful information can be posted on social media to sensitize the public.

Advocating for Better Local Enforcement

Distracted driving is still rampant in our communities because local enforcement of relevant traffic laws has not been made. Communities have a duty to collaborate with patrol officers and law enforcement to ensure that in areas that are high accident areas, there is monitoring in the morning and evenings to reduce accidents.

Community members can also push for better penalties and punishments for violating traffic laws and distracted driving. If a driver is a repeat offender, instead of just paying a fine, they could get their driving license permanently revoked or even be imprisoned. It will serve as a deterrent to others.

Improving Signage

Members of the communities can put good infrastructure in place that will minimize distracted driving. The roads should be good with good warnings about exits, hazards, and turns.

This signage will minimize the need for drivers to check their GPS devices and get distracted. Another thing that communities can do is to ensure that there is street lighting so that drivers can maneuver the roads easily.

If it is possible, in high-risk areas, there should be a phone-free driving zone so that drivers know that they can be penalized or punished for flouting these rules.

Making Use of Technology

Another way that distracted driving can be reduced in communities is by making use of technologies. Communities should have road features that will alert drivers when they are distracted.

There can also be smart traffic signal systems installed and rumble strips to help drivers. Some software can be used to automatically disable calls and texting options on phones while driving. To encourage people to use the software, they can offer free versions of the app or even discounts for the paid option.

Setting Good Examples

People copy what they see. If kids grow up watching parents text and drive, they’ll think it’s normal. If new drivers see their friends doing it, they’ll probably do it too. That’s why it’s so important for adults to set the example.

Every time you choose not to look at your phone, not to eat, and not to mess with stuff while driving, you’re showing others what safe driving looks like.

One person might not feel like they’re making a big difference, but when a whole group of people starts setting the example, the whole culture of driving in that community changes.

Summary

According to NHTSA,  over 3,275 lives were lost in 2023 because of distracted driving. So, communities can help to reduce distracted driving by:

• Educating the public about distracted driving.
• Technologies should also be utilized.
• There should be signage in place.
• Communities should advocate for better local enforcement of laws.

These will ensure that the road is safe for not only drivers but also pedestrians.