Distracted Driving is Problem to be Avoided

Distracted driving continues to be a problem across the nation and Oconee County is no exception. Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw is warning residents about the dangers associated with distracted driving.  He is encouraging parents to discuss this with their children who are getting their driver’s license.  According to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration website, distracted driving is defined as an “activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.” The website goes on to say that “all distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety.” Distractions occur, according to the website, when “you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off the primary task: driving safely.” The biggest distraction, according to the website, is texting, due to the fact that it “requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver.” In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver. Also in that same year, 387,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.