April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Published on April 17, 2023

April is nationally recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving comes in many forms, but texting and cellphone use while driving has become the most prevalent type of distracted driving. Driving distractions is not only using your cellphone to call or text, but also includes eating, drinking and any other activity that takes your eyes off the road. These non driving activities have the potential to distract a person from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing.

The statistics are staggering. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) -, 32,657 people died in distraction-affected crashes over the ten-year period from 2012 to 2021. A distraction-affected crash is any traffic crash in which a driver was identified as distracted at the time of the crash. In 2021 there were 3,522 people killed and an estimated additional 362,415 people injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. This is an increase of 380 fatalities compared to 2020.

Menlo Park’s police department joins others throughout the state to step up enforcement along with awareness efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety to discourage distracted driving. California’s Office of Traffic Safety campaign, “Just Drive,” reminds drivers to put down their phones, eliminate distractions and focus on the road.

Menlo Park’s Traffic Unit will continue to focus enforcement efforts on distracted driving. We encourage drivers to build safety habits by focusing on the road and being alert to pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers. Drive safe and alert so you and others can get to your destinations safely!