April 8, 2015, Canton, MI – In an effort to make our roads safer, the Canton Police Department has joined the national “One Text or Call Could Wreck it All” campaign to educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving in our community.
While anything that takes your eyes off of the road, hands off of the wheel, or mind off the task of driving is a hazard, there is heightened concern with the risk of texting while driving because it combines all three types of distractions—visual, manual and cognitive.
This national effort is attempting to change driving habits through public awareness, education, and police enforcement, the same activities that have curbed drunk driving and seat belt use.
Canton police officers will participate with officers across the country in focusing on distracted driving enforcement this month. The goal is simple—save lives by getting drivers to remember that “One Text or Call Could Wreck it All.”
“We all know that using our cell phones while driving is distracting, but that doesn’t stop most people from doing it,” said Staff Operations Sergeant Jim Harrison. “This effort is intended to educate our community about the dangers of cell phone use and other distractions while driving. We’re hoping once people see the statistics and realize the danger involved, they will change their driving habits to help protect themselves and others on the road.”
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2013, 3,154 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and an estimated additional 424,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.
Additional information on the distracted driving campaign, including video reenactments of distracted driving dangers, can be found at www.distraction.gov.
###