Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a driver's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

  • Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
  • Eating and drinking
  • Grooming
  • Reading, including maps
  • Talking to passengers
  • Texting
  • Using a cell phone or smart phone
  • Using a navigation system
  • Watching a video

Because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.

Red Thumb Reminder

The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all citizens about the danger it poses. The Parker Town Council has pledged to end distracted driving in the Town of Parker by becoming involved in the Red Thumb Reminder campaign. Citizens are encouraged to paint their thumbnail red as a reminder to put their phone away while driving.

Facts & Statistics

  • 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash.
  • For drivers 15-19 years old involved in fatal crashes, 21% of the distracted drivers were distracted by the use of cell phones. (NHSTA)
  • At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010. (NOPUS)
  • Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent - at 55 miles per hour - of driving the length of an entire football field, blind. (VTTI)
  • Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use. (VTTI)

For more facts and statistics, visit the NHTSA's website. 

Distracted Driving Workshop

The Parker Police Department hosts a free Parent-Teen Safe Driving Workshop throughout the year. Learn more about the program.