Driving is a big part of daily life for Tennessee families. Whether you're heading to work, school, or the grocery store, safety should always come first. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is working hard to keep families safe by promoting safe driving habits and reducing traffic deaths across the state.
One of the biggest dangers on the road today is distracted driving. In 2022 alone, 3,308 people lost their lives due to distracted driving. It's important for everyone-teens, parents, and all drivers to focus on the road and avoid distractions. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation for more facts and national safety information.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving happens when something takes your attention away from driving. There are three types:
· Cognitive distraction - When your mind is not focused on driving (like thinking about work or school).
· Visual distraction - When your eyes are not on the road (like looking at your phone or GPS).
· Manual distraction - When your hands are off the wheel (like eating or adjusting the radio).
Tennessee’s Hands-Free Law
Tennessee has strict hands-free laws to keep drivers safe. It is illegal to:
· Hold the phone or device while driving.
· Send or read text messages.
· Watch or record videos.
· Reach for a phone in a way that takes you out of your seat belt.
For more details, visit handsfreetn.com
Safety Tips for Families
To keep your family safe, remember these important tips:
· Put your phone away. You need to text or call, pull over.
· Set your GPS before you start driving. Never adjust it while driving.
· Secure children and pets. Make sure everyone is buckled in before hitting the road.
· Always wear your seat belt. Tennessee law requires it for all passengers.
Help Stop Distracted Driving
· Teens: speak up if a friend is driving distracted. Take the pledge to drive safely.
· Parents: set a good example. Talk to your kids about safe driving habits.
· Educators and employers: spread awareness and schools and workplaces.
The Tennessee highway safety office is committed to making our roads safer. For even more resources, programs, and state statistics visit www.tntrafficsafety.org/. By staying focused and making smart choices, we can work towards zero traffic deaths in Tennessee.