Are you a distracted driver? According to PennDOT, distracted driving accounts for thousands of crashes in Pennsylvania every year and it is a leading factor of lane departure crashes across the state.

Driving is a skill that requires 100% of your attention 100% of the time.

Anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off the task of driving is a distraction, including eating, drinking and even hands-free cell phone use. And remember it is illegal (and dangerous) to write, read, or send a text-based message while driving in Pennsylvania.

Research has shown that distraction from cell phone use while driving — either hand-held or hands-free — delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08%. 

Passengers can be especially distracting to inexperienced teen drivers, so remember to be a good passenger too.

Parents and caregivers should set a good example when behind the wheel and avoid distractions.

Remember, any distraction can wait until you safely reach your destination.

This message is brought to you by Safe Kids PA- Lycoming County Partner and the Lycoming County Health Improvement Coalition.