Effective immediately, the Kingsport Police Department is launching a Distracted Driving Education Campaign.
KINGSPORT -‚ During 2013 alone, K.P.D. has already investigated five fatal car crashes resulting in six fatalities.‚ One of these deaths was a direct result of an individual texting while driving. The Kingsport Police Department will be making a series of educational materials and videos on the topic of distracted driving available to the public via the following outlets:
K.P.D. also encourages area television and newspaper media to utilize their resources to help spread the word and educate the public concerning distracted driving. What is Distracted Driving? Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. ‚ All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:
But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction. Key Facts and Statistics
In the State of Tennessee, while a vehicle is in motion, it is illegal for:
10 Tips for Managing Distractions While Driving 1)‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ Turn it off. Turn your phone off or switch to silent mode before you get in the car. 2)‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ Spread the word. Set up a special message to tell callers that you are driving and youll get back to them as soon as possible, or sign up for a service that offers this. 3)‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ Pull over. If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe area first. 4)‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ Use your passengers. Ask a passenger to make the call for you. 5)‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ X the Text. Dont ever text and drive, surf the web or read your email while driving. It is dangerous and against the law in most states. 6)‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ Know the law. Familiarize yourself with state and local laws before you get in the car. Some states and localities prohibit the use of hand held cell phones. 7)‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ Prepare. Review maps and directions before you start to drive. If you need help when you are on the road, ask a passenger to help or pull over to a safe location to review the map/directions again. 8)‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ Secure your pets. Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive. 9)‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ ‚ Keep the kids safe. Pull over to a safe location to address situations with your children in the car. 10)‚ ‚ Focus on the task at hand. Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading and any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road. For additional information on distracted driving, please visit these websites: |
Or contact:
Ptl. Thomas M. Patton K.P.D. Community Relations and Crime Prevention Unit 423-229-9433 |