Rescue Squad fights distracted driving

The Cannon County Rescue Squad, Inc. is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to promote distracted driving awareness. April is nationally recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Many public service agencies across the state will be out in enforcement and helping to raise awareness of the public about the dangers of distracted driving. The annual Thumbs Down to Texting and Driving campaign, now in its third year, has been a successful reminder to increase awareness about distracting driving.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, adjusting your radio, or programing your navigation system. Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading text takes your eyes of the road for 5 seconds or more. At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

Consequences

Texting and driving in Tennessee can result in a $50 fine for a driver of any age. For young drivers who have Learner's Permits or Intermediate Restricted licenses, cell phone use of any kind while driving is illegal.