If you’ve ever set your navigation, adjusted the radio, eaten, used your phone, or texted while driving, you’ve driven distracted. Although these actions may seem harmless, taking your eyes or mind off the road for even five seconds while driving 55 mph is equivalent to driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

Each April, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) observes Distracted Driving Awareness Month to educate drivers on the dangers of losing focus behind the wheel. Any activity that takes a driver’s hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, or mind off driving qualifies as a distraction and increases the risk of a crash. In 2023 alone, nearly 300 people in Florida lost their lives due to distracted driving.

Common distractions go beyond your phone. Reaching behind you to comfort a child in the backseat or applying makeup is also dangerous. The next time you hop in the car, consider the risk, and:

• Eat before you get on the road or pull over to eat.
• Set your GPS and start your music before driving, or use a hands-free system.
• Turn on your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” function.

Distracted drivers don’t put just themselves at risk — they endanger everyone on the road. If you’re a passenger, help by being the designated texter, navigator, or DJ.

While you can’t control the behavior of other drivers, you can take steps to protect yourself. Help everyone get home safely by eliminating distractions, leaving space between you and the vehicle in front of you, and driving the speed limit.

To learn more about distracted driving, visit www.fdot.gov/agencyresources/distracteddriving.