While people might not have realized it, the National Safety Council has designated April National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in an attempt to raise awareness about the elevated crash risk that accompanies the use of smartphones and other electronic devices behind the wheel.
In recognition of this important cause, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced earlier today that law enforcement agencies will be taking part in Operation Hang Up. This special enforcement initiative, which runs from April 6 through April 10, will see the establishment of checkpoints and increased patrols across the state in a bid to catch distracted drivers in the act.
While some might question the need for the campaign, consider that data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that distracted driving was responsible for an astounding 391,000-plus injuries and another 3,477 fatalities in 2015 alone.
Interestingly enough, the makers of a safe driving app recently published the results of a study showing where in New York City motorists are the most likely to drive distracted.
Specifically, after examining the smartphone habits of over 6,300 motorists over a three-month time frame, they identified the following as the top five areas in NYC for distracted driving:
- The area around John F. Kennedy International Airport
- The area where the Cross-Bronx Expressway meets the George Washington Bridge
- The area where the Staten Island Expressway meets the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
- The area where the Astoria Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway intersect next to LaGuardia Airport
- The area where the Long Island Expressway and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway intersect
Here’s hoping that these campaigns help get the message out about just how dangerous distracted driving really is …
If you’ve been seriously injured or lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver, consider speaking with a skilled legal professional as soon as possible to learn more about your rights and your options.
