As part of National Distracted Driving Month, the West Virginia Trucking Association is asking fellow drivers to put down the phone, according to a press release from the association.
The president of the association said 3,300 people were killed and 421,000 were injured in distraction-related crashes nationally.
"Motorists need to take responsibility for safety as they navigate our roadways and keep their eyes on the road," President Jan Vineyard said. "Putting cell phones away, planning your trip and keeping your eyes on the road will save lives."
Writing or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the release said. At 55 miles per hour, that's like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
Texting while driving makes you 20 times more likely to be in a crash, the release said. Young people are especially at risk. In 2011, 11 percent of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in a deadly crash were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. The press release said this age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
The West Virginia Trucking Association asks that drivers use the following safety tips to keep everyone safe:
- Stay focused -- Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times. One small distraction can cause an accident.
- Put electronics away -- Put your cell phone away, as well as all electronics, while behind the wheel. Nothing is more important than getting to your destination safely.
- Plan your trip -- Plan your route ahead of time so you aren't distracted looking at a map or navigation system. Pay attention to highway signs and traffic.
- Be aware of blind spots -- Trucks have large blind spots in front, back and on either side. Try to avoid lingering in this space and do not cut in front of a truck.
- Be a good passenger -- Speak up if the driver is distracted.
Copyright 2014 - The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.