News

September 13 , 2005
Henrico Police Implement Teen Distracted Driving Campaign
“Smart Drivers Just Drive” Asks Young Adults to Put the Brakes on Distracted Driving

Richmond, VA—In 2003, 174 traffic deaths on Virginia roads involved drivers age 15 to 20 years old, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  In an effort to reduce the number of youth motor vehicle fatalities, NHTSA has selected Richmond as one of six markets for Smart Drivers Just Drive, a new campaign created to educate young drivers about the dangers of distractions.  NHTSA estimates that distracted driving is a factor in as many as one in four motor vehicle crashes.

“Richmond was selected to take part in the program because of its large population of young drivers, its size and geographic location,” said Sgt. D.L. Lambert.  “NHTSA is providing the city’s strong presence of community organizations with materials to help spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving.”  Additional cities selected to take part in the pilot program include Sacramento, California; Gainesville, Florida; Austin, Texas; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Springfield, Missouri.

According to NHTSA, distracted driving occurs anytime motorists take their attention away from driving.  Based on research among young adults ages 17 to 20, common distractions include riding with friends, using cell phones, eating and tuning the radio. Other in-vehicle electronics can also cause distractions, such as CD players, navigation devices and DVD monitors. 

Smart Drivers Just Drive encourages young drivers to visit www.distracteddriving.org, where students can share personal stories about how distracted driving has affected them, in addition to the lives of friends, family members and fellow motorists.  They can also find posters, flyers, awareness activities and guidance for conducting a Smart Drivers Just Drive campaign within their own community.

The campaign is designed for partners such as youth health and safety organizations, local businesses and community groups to spread the word about the dangers of driving distracted.  Partners can conduct a Smart Drivers Just Drive awareness campaign by using sample news releases, media alerts, public service announcements, drop-in news articles and other tools available at www.distracteddriving.org.

“Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 to 20 year olds, causing nearly one-third of all deaths in this age group, continues Sgt. D.L. Lambert.  “Distracted driving is potentially deadly behavior.  Smart Drivers Just Drive is providing young adults with information to make good decisions behind the wheel."