Doing Something About Distraction...

Distraction. It's something that happens to us all. As a culture that's accepted the need to multitask, we often succumb to any type of distraction, and especially those that are electronic. Just think how our vernacular has changed in even the last couple of years: Tweets, posts, texts and more all have relevance in our lives, and also have a tendency to grab our immediate attention. Given the fact that there are more than two hundred million cell phones in the US alone, our attention is highly at stake. While multi-tasking can be viewed as an ability, the state of distraction is often viewed as a hazard - especially on the road.

The Department of Transportation spearheaded the site, www.Distraction.gov. It's the official website for distracted driving as mandated by the federal government.

According to the website, Distraction.gov aims to "Distracted Driving
At the U.S. Department of Transportation, we heard America's call to end the dangerous practice of distracted driving on our nation's roadways. Distracted driving is a serious, life-threatening practice and we will not rest until we stop it.
We are leading the effort but you are the key to preventing distracted driving. The message is simple - Put it down!

We will work across the spectrum with private and public entities as well as advocacy groups to tackle distracted driving, and, we will lead by example. We have taken first steps -- The President's Executive Order has established a new way to approach driving - by putting your device down and paying attention to the task at hand," (www.distraction.gov.)

We're all guilty of it. Cell phone use, chatting with car companions, applying make-up in 'traffic' and the like. While we may feel like focused drivers, there are so many things that can distract us from the road that it's almost necessary to constantly remind ourselves to maintain proper attention while driving.

According to the DOT, there are three types of "distracted" driving including:

•Visual - taking your eyes off the road
•Manual - taking you hands of the wheel
•Cognitive - taking your mind off what you're doing

Disctraction.gov not only reminds you what you're doing wrong on the road, it scares you into adopting safer driving habits with startling statistics and descriptive hazards.

Driving is a regular part of life for most of us, and an occupation for many. Distraction.gov serves as a modern refresher on how to travel the highways responsibly.