Opinion

Target distracted driving among teens

Posted October 31, 2011 5:00 am

Oct. 16-22 marked National Teen Safe Driving Week. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 5,474 people were killed on U.S. roadways and an estimated 448,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes that involved distracted driving in 2009. The biggest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group — 16 percent of all drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving.

The agency says there are three main types of distraction: taking your eyes off the road, taking your hands off the wheel and taking your mind of what you’re doing. Texting is the most problematic because it combines all three distractions simultaneously.

We must adopt a no-tolerance attitude on this issue. A statewide campaign by the Illinois tollway — “Drive Now. Text Later.” — aims to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and is worth checking out. Parents must drive by example and have a zero tolerance for both impaired and distracted driving. Put the cellphone down. Stop texting and driving. One accident can change a life forever.

Dr. Charles Nozicka

Medical director

Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Advocate Condell Medical Center

Libertyville

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.