How Far Have We Come? - Looking Back On Distracted Driving Awareness Month (Way Back)

WHAT AN APRIL.

Within the span of a few days, traffic on the roads thinned to nearly empty roads, social interaction became strictly digital, and no one could deny that we were in a situation that was completely different that we could ever expect. 

However, amidst all the changes, some realities remained the same. 

The brutal scene of the Calene crash outside of Pullman, WA on Apr. 13, 2020.

Just yesterday, it was reported that Jack Hurley, 88, was killed at the scene in Lewiston after being struck by a vehicle. This followed a crash in Lewiston which had occurred only a few days before, as well as a two-car collision which took the life of Timothy Calene right outside of Pullman in the beginning of April. 

It is clear that one thing is true in this time: our safety is still a significant priority that we need to be continuing to pushing for ourselves and the ones around us. 

This is the purpose of Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Erica Forney, at age 9, was tragically killed by a distraced driver in 2008.

SAFETY HAS ALWAYS BEEN FIRST.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month was first established by the U.S. Congress in 2010 with the help of Shelley Forney. 

Forney started advocating back in 2008 - in the rapid rise of cell phones - when her 9-year-old daughter was killed by a distracted driver on Thanksgiving of that year. Her efforts went on went on in 2010 to dedicate April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in 2010.

Throughout the years following, the movement has grown nation-wide, and agencies across the country have banded together every April to help remind our communities that there is NO SUCH THING as a small distraction when it comes to driving and that our attention (or lack thereof) on the road can have serious consequences.

WHERE ARE WE NOW?

Preventing distracted driving is an uphill battle. The death rate from car collisions in Washington State consistently reached around 500 deaths yearly from 2015-2018. On a nation wide scale, over the last decade, there has been a significant increase distracted-driving-related crashes. The number of deaths related to distracted driving jumped from 3166 in 2017 to 4637 in 2018. 

However, thanks to the hard work of agencies throughout the country, as well as individuals using self-discipline and taking responsibility out on the roads, there is hope for the elimination of crashes and deaths from distracted driving.

TAKE THE PLEDGE.

If you haven't take the pledge to drive safe TODAY. Your responsibility on the road can make a massive impact on those around you. Don't take it lightly.

Stay safe out there everyone.