Full Notification

Distracted driving is a serious traffic safety concern that puts everyone on the road at risk. In recent years, hundreds have been killed and thousands seriously injured in California as a result of collisions that involved at least one driver who was distracted. Nationally, an estimated 3,331 died in 2011. As a result, law enforcement across the state, including Newark PD are increasingly cracking down on cell phone use and texting.

Eighty percent of American drivers believe hands-free devices are safer than using a handheld phone. But that is just not the case. More than 30 studies show hands-free devices are no safer because the brain remains distracted by the conversation. When talking on a cell phone, drivers can miss seeing up to half of what's around them, such as traffic lights, stop signs and pedestrians.

A Habit Worth Breaking

The ringing of a phone or pinging of a text creates irresistible urges for many people to answer the call, read the message or respond.
To avoid these temptations:

• Turn off your cell phone, or put it on silent, before driving
• Toss your cell phone in the trunk or glove box to avoid temptation
• Pre-set your navigation system and music playlists before driving
• Schedule stops to check voicemails, emails and texts
• Set special ring tones for important incoming calls, and pull off to a safe place to take them
• Tell coworkers, family and friends not to call or text you when they know you’re driving
• Start all conference calls by asking if anyone is driving, and have them call back when they are in a safe location
• Install an app on your phone that disables it while your vehicle is in motion
• Ask a passenger to answer incoming calls and say “You’ll call back when not driving”
• Change your voice mail greeting to tell people that you may be driving and you’ll call them back when you can safely do so

Positive Side Effects of Not Using a Phone While Driving:

• More likely to arrive safely at your destination
• Feeling more relaxed; some of our best ideas and solutions come when we are at ease
• Not letting your phone control you
• Being able to have a conversation with your passengers
• Avoiding crashes and their associated costs –doctor visits, auto repairs, court fees