Focus on the road; don't be a fool behind the wheel

As spring promises its yearly renewal foretelling of better fortunes ahead, April’s designation as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month reminds us — especially budding drivers — to focus on the road. Many things compete for our attention while behind the wheel, but it is our responsibility to be safe motorists for ourselves and the Long Island community we share the road with.

The problem is urgent. Almost 3,300 people were killed in 2023 because of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Newsday’s ongoing Dangerous Roads series found that distracted driving was a factor in up to 11% of fatal crashes on Long Island in 2023. These tragedies are avoidable.

While we are all aware of the dangers of driving under the influence, few people realize the full range of behaviors that constitute distracted driving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention includes in its definition anything that causes a driver to take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel or mind off driving. That means anything that interferes with your attention while driving — including turning around to yell at the kids in the backseat —  is risky.

It is imperative that all drivers know what inattentive driving means. Then, they can consciously decide before starting the car to eliminate possible interruptions before hurtling down the road.

The state can help by funding expanded use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to identify these driving offenses. At the same time, the state must stiffen penalties. On the Department of Motor Vehicles’ website listing common violations and penalties, there are no categories that include "distracted driving," just "Improper cell phone use" and "texting."

Each April, agencies ramp up enforcement and education campaigns, but the messaging can be disjointed and scattershot. New York must lead the way by promoting expanded and improved public education campaigns that reach drivers on social media and warn them of the dangers by showing the horror of what can happen when a driver rummages in a bag for a water bottle.

With increased state funding, local municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and schools can teach new and young drivers how to focus on the road. The CDC’s parent-teen driving agreement deserves to be read by drivers of all ages and experience. It is a positive affirmation of doing the right thing behind the wheel, like being in emotional control while driving. The CDC even recommends that drivers not use cellphones in hands-free mode.

Distracted driving is preventable. There are countless factors that make our roads dangerous, including something as simple as adjusting the mirrors while driving. The difficulty of enforcing distracted driving laws means it’s up to us to be better drivers. This month, make it a priority to not be a distracted driver and educate at least one other driver. Turn your cellphone off; don’t multitask behind the wheel; focus on the road.

Don't be foolish.