The following press release was sent to media statewide today:

It is against West Virginia law to talk on a cell phone while driving, unless you are using a hands-free device.  As part of National Distracted Driving Month, the West Virginia Trucking Association is urging motorists to put down their cell phones and focus on safe driving while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.

Jan Vineyard, president of the WV Trucking Association, said, “Motorists need to take responsibility for safety as they navigate our roadways and keep their eyes on the road.  Putting cell phones away, planning your trip and keeping your eyes on the road will save lives.”

Vineyard said that in 2012 more than 3,300 people were killed and another 421,000 were injured in distraction-related crashes nationally. Distracted driving comes in many forms.  It can include electronic distractions, like navigation systems and cell phones, or more conventional distractions, like interacting with passengers and eating. 

Did you know:

• Writing or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 MPH, that’s like driving the length of a football field – blindfolded.
• If you text while you’re behind the wheel, you’re 20 times more likely to be involved in a crash than a non-distracted driver.
• Talking on a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity devoted to driving by 37%.
• 41 states, the District of Columbia and Guam ban text messaging for all drivers.
• 12 states and the District of Columbia prohibit hand-held cell phone use by all drivers.
• Young people are especially at risk: In 2011, 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted. 
• The West Virginia Trucking Association recommends that motorists utilize the following safety tips to help assure that they arrive at their destinations safely.
• Stay Focused – Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.  One small distraction can cause an accident.
• Put Electronics Away – Put your cell phone away, as well as all electronics, while behind the wheel.  Nothing is more important than getting to your destination safely.
• Plan Your Trip – Plan your route ahead of time so you aren’t distracted looking at a map or navigation system.  Pay attention to highway signs and traffic.
• Be Aware of Blindspots – Trucks have large blindspots in front, back and either side. Try to avoid lingering in this space and do not cut in front of a truck.
• Be a Good Passenger - Speak up if the driver in your car is distracted.