You’ve probably heard it before:
“Don’t text and drive!”
Distracted driving isn’t just about texting. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines distracted driving as, “doing another activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving.2” Examples of distracted driving include talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, adjusting the stereo, entertainment or navigation system, or grooming yourself.
That quick glance at a Snapchat notification, skipping to your favorite song, reaching for your drink, turning to your friends in the back seat; it all counts as distracted driving.
When you’re behind the wheel, your job is simple: Drive
There are three types of distractions that can take your attention away from driving:
• Reading, sending a text, or checking social media
• Looking at your GPS or radio
• Looking for something inside your car
• Staring at a roadside crash, major attraction, or billboard
• Eating or drinking
• Changing the music
• Reaching for something
• Holding your phone
• Daydreaming
• Having an emotional conversation
• Thinking about school or work
• Focusing on a phone notification or social media post
In 2024, distracted driving claimed 3,208 lives in the United States and injured over 315,000 people.1 According to the CDC, nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver.2
When sending or reading a text it takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
Effective on July 1, 2015, New Hampshire has a Hands-Free Device Law. This law prohibits the use of electronic devices while driving or temporarily halted in traffic for a stop sign or traffic signal or other momentary delays.4
If you’re 18 or older you can use hands-free technology like Bluetooth or your vehicle’s built-in system, as long as you stay focused the road.
If you’re under 18 you cannot use a cell phone or other mobile electronic device while driving-even if its hands-free.
1st Offense: $100 fine2nd Offense: $250 fine3rd Offense: $500 fine
If you’re riding with someone who’s distracted, don’t stay quiet. It’s okay to say something like:
Here is a You Tube Short example on how to address your concern.
