Campaign In Effect: Police Cracking Down On Drunk, Distracted Driving
DETROIT (WWJ) - The National Safety Council says 80 percent of American drivers believe hands-free devices are safer than using a handheld phone -- they are not. These misconceptions, leading in part, to a concentrated effort to make drivers aware of the dangers of driving distracted.
Whether you are out for a night on the town or hitting the roads for warmer weather during spring break - a reminder from police to drive sober and don't drive distracted.
Michigan State Police are sending an important message for all drivers:
When you are behind the wheel of a car make sure your attention is on the road and only on the road says Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw.
"If you are driving down the road and you just take a text message or check your phone or do something different - that takes your eyes off the road for about four to five seconds - which is the equivalent of driving 55 mph blindfolded for the length of an entire football field," Shaw told WWJ's Chrystal Knight.
A number of studies show that hands-free devices are no safer because the brain remains distracted by the conversation. When talking on a cell phone, drivers can miss seeing up to half of what's around them, such as traffic lights, stop signs and pedestrians.
Shaw says the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign is in effect through Monday - the night of in the NCAA's Final Four in Indianapolis - and staying focused and sober behind the wheel is in effect year-round.
