Safe in 60: Utah’s Two Worst Distracted Driving Behaviors

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — You’ve all seen it and maybe even been guilty of it: texting, putting on makeup, eating or reaching for something while driving.

Distracted driving causes far too many accidents in Utah. According to the Utah Highway Safety Office, there were 5,748 distracted driver crashes in 2016 which resulted in 3,303 injuries and 27 deaths.

There are plenty of things that can be distracting for the driver of a vehicle, increasing the odds of getting into an accident by 80 percent.

The two worst distractions for Utah drivers:

• Cellphones. Whether you are dialing a number, texting, using social media or using a map app, it is illegal to manipulate your phone in any sort of way while the vehicle is in motion. Crashes involving drivers on cell phones have increased for six straight years. Please keep your phones out of reach while you are driving.
• Passengers. Whether you are talking to a passenger or tending to children, it’s easy to take your eyes and mind off the road, even for a second. And I know we all love our pets, but they can also be distractions.

We’ve all likely changed a radio station, or messed with the settings in our car while driving. Please wait until you are stopped. When the car is in motion, your attention should be solely focused on driving.