Patrol post combats distracted drivers

Ohio State Highway Patrol information

The Van Wert Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to keep their eyes and focus on the roadway while driving. From 2009 to 2011 there were 31,231 crashes caused by distracted driving in Ohio. Seventy-four of these crashes ended in death and 7,825 included injuries.

Distracted driving is any non-driving activity a person engages in that has potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing. Distractions can be visual — taking eyes off of the road; manual — taking hands off the wheel; or cognitive — taking the mind off driving. Texting while driving is an example that results in all three types of distraction

“Every single time someone takes their eyes or their focus off the road — even for just a few seconds — they put their lives and the lives of others in danger,” said Lt. Ray Haas, commander of the Van Wert Post. “Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible and in a split second, its consequences can be devastating.”

According to the National Highway Safety Administration 5,474 people died nationally in 2009 in distraction-related crashes; of these, 18 percent involved cell phone use.

For a complete analysis please visit www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/Distracted_Driving_Bulletin_2012.pdf.