APRIL IS DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH
Distractions are a part of everyday life, but they are becoming more prominent in the car than anywhere else. Distractions are anything that takes your attention from your current thought process. Talking to a passenger while trying to keep an eye on the road, speedometer, other cars, upcoming signs, and traffic lights is already a challenge. Now, add a cell phone in the mix and that is one more distraction. Almost everyone has seen a driver distracted by their cell phone. But when you’re driving, do you realize that distracted driver is you? Most don’t. New technology in vehicles is great, but it’s causing more distractions than ever. According to the National Safety Council, 53% of drivers believe if manufacturers put “infotainment” dashboards and hands-free technology in vehicles, they must be safe. But, what drivers don’t realize is that these technologies distract our brains for a time after you’ve used them. Some say they are multitaskers, but that does not justify the possible death or injury that distractions and driving might cause to yourself or others. Multitasking technology is about convenience, not safety.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving is a public health issue that affects us all. And in 2017 alone, more than 40,000 people were killed from motor vehicle accidents. All it takes is one second of your attention to change a life forever.
Ending distracted driving is everyone’s responsibility and here are some ways you can get started:
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In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the National Safety Council is offering a free 45-minute course on distracted driving. We urge community members to participate. Visit nsc.org to learn more.
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Do an analysis of your current situation prior to getting behind the wheel. Full attention should be brought to the road and if that is not possible, driving is a bad idea.
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Address distracted driving at school, work, church, etc. Having an open conversation about distracted driving is a great way to bring awareness and provide education. For more helpful information, contact your local law enforcement or visit nsc.org.
Next time you get behind the wheel, be the focused driver that you are. Keep yourself safe in addition to others on the road.
Sources: nsc.org
Department Activity for the last 5 months:
|
Nov. |
Dec. |
Jan |
Feb. |
March |
Warrants |
14 |
13 |
19 |
8 |
14 |
Citations |
73 |
69 |
75 |
93
|
82 |
Crashes |
32 |
37 |
26 |
27 |
32 |
DUI’S |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
Civil Process |
102 |
92 |
92 |
81
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81 |
Criminal Arrests |
6 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
Domestic Calls |
11 |
8 |
11 |
12 |
9 |
Calls For Service |
449 |
435 |
394 |
403 |
485 |
Correctional Center
Prisoners Processed |
79 |
78 |
78 |
63 |
83 |
Average Daily Population |
59 |
59 |
59 |
58 |
57 |
Fingerprints |
24 |
18 |
21 |
21 |
26 |
Transports |
16 |
17 |
19 |
26 |
17 |
Transport Mileage |
2114 |
1641 |
1775 |
2110 |
1342 |
Transport Hours |
103 |
124 |
104 |
125 |
90 |