April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Paul O’Brien and the East Bridgewater Police Department are pleased to announce that the department has once again been awarded a grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR) to increase the number of distracted driving patrols during April, which is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
East Bridgewater Police will join other departments across the state, along with the Massachusetts Department of State Police, in the national Distracted Driving enforcement campaign.
A analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 3,142 people died in distraction-affected crashes in 2020, an increase from the 3,119 such deaths in 2019. Traffic safety experts believe that driver inattention is a significant factor in motor vehicle crashes and fatalities.
The OGR offers these tips for motorists to avoid a distraction-affected crash.
- Before driving, turn your phone off and put it out of reach
- Set your phone to “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode
- Let your friends and family know that you’ll be driving and can’t take their calls or texts
- If you have to make a call or send a text, pull over
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists – especially at night
- Remember to buckle up. Seat belts are your best defense against a distracted driver
For more distracted driving safety information visit the NHTSA website here or the NSC website here.
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