Contemplating Collision Data and Perceptions of Traffic ‘Hotspots’
April 2, 2026
| Distracted driving remains one of the most common and preventable risks on our roadways. From checking a text to adjusting navigation to playing music, even a momentary distraction can take attention away from the road, leading to serious consequences. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of staying focused behind the wheel to help ensure everyone gets home safely. Distractions fall into three main categories: visual (taking your eyes off the road), manual (taking your hands off the wheel), and cognitive (taking your mind off driving). Activities like using your phone involve all three, making them especially dangerous. In 2023, the US recorded 3,275 lives lost in crashes that involved distracted drivers, with distracted driving involved in 8% of all fatal crashes (source). In Florida, distracted driving was a contributing factor in 14.4% of all crashes and 8.8% of fatalities, resulting in 297 lives lost and 2,516 serious injuries (source). Reducing distracted driving is critical to achieving the goal of Target Zero – eliminating serious injuries and fatalities on Florida’s roadways. Distracted Driving Awareness Month is an opportunity to reinforce the everyday choices that support that effort, starting with staying focused behind the wheel. Raising Internal Awareness: No matter what office you officially call “home,” we all can play a role in supporting safety Share the Alert Today Tip Card with colleagues on the dangers of distracted driving and walking. Check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) page on proven countermeasures to reduce distracted driving. Place the Staying Focused poster in your office common spaces for fun, quick tips to stay focused while driving. In the Community: Grass-roots outreach efforts greatly improve safety messaging effectiveness – these one-on-one conversations have far-reaching impacts Talk to your neighbors and loved ones about how to be a pro-passenger using the tips on the Pro Passenger poster from the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition. Encourage friends and family to review the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) page on the Wireless Communications While Driving laws which prohibits texting and driving and handheld device use in school crossings, school zones, and active work zone areas. In Your Everyday Life: Even when you’re not “on-the-clock,” there are ways to improve safety culture in Florida Place your phone on Do Not Disturb and set your playlist before you drive. Check out the Target Zero Drive Time = You Time page for auto-reply messages and music playlists for every trip! If you need to address something that may cause distractions, pull over to a safe location first. Whether it’s a message, food, or navigation, pull off the road to address it before safely continuing your trip. Limit distractions even when walking and biking. Pedestrians and bicyclists also need to stay focused to avoid hazards and vehicles, just like drivers. Talk to the teens in your life about the dangers of distracted driving. According to NHTSA, the highest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of fatal crashes were aged 15-20 years old. Using tangible examples can help put things into perspective – for example, a driver traveling 55 mph needs about a football field’s distance to come to a complete stop. With busy schedules, increased travel, and constant connectivity, it can be easy to underestimate how quickly distractions add up. Taking a few simple steps before driving and making safe choices during a trip can help reduce risk and keep your full attention on the road. There are many ways to support Target Zero through your work and interests. If you’re putting an idea into action, let us know so we can share your ideas with others! Savannah & the Target Zero Team |
