SPANO TARGETS DISTRACTED DRIVING MESSAGE
Public education campaign to focus on driver inattention

Catherine Cioffi of WCBS 880 Radio tests her driving skills in the simulator while she drinks coffee.  The simulator is available to schools and organizations interested in learning more about safer driving -- call 914-995-2555 to schedule an on-site program.

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What do drinking coffee, eating, reading the newspaper, talking on your cell phone and changing a CD all have in common? They’re all things people do while they’re driving – and they’re all distractions that can be a recipe for disaster.

Such distractions are also the focus of a new driver safety campaign announced today by County Executive Andy Spano. Noting that it is now the holiday season when distractions become even more prevalent, Spano urged motorists to pay attention to the task of driving at all times.

“Today’s fast-paced world is filled with distractions – and it can be a challenge to get to the stores or work on time as well as balance our other responsibilities,” said Spano. “However, the consequences of doing too much at once can be devastating. You’ve got to keep yourself focused on driving when you are behind the wheel.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver distractions are the most common cause of traffic accidents, accounting for 50 percent of all crashes. The most common distractions were found to be cell phone use, fatigue, eating and drinking, tuning the radio or engaging with passengers.

“One of the best ways to keep drivers safe on the road is to raise awareness about driver safety and promote safe driving practices,” Spano continued. “During this campaign, we will do that with cable TV ads, free onsite educational programs, brochures, websites and, ultimately, enforcement.”

At today’s press conference, the county demonstrated the effects of distracted driving using a driving simulator. Participants were asked to drive while performing tasks such as holding a coffee cup and getting a sandwich from a paper bag. A humorous TV ad on distracted driving was also shown.

The county’s distracted driver safety campaign includes:

 Cable TV ads -- The television commercial was developed by the county’s Communications Office and stresses the importance of hands-free cell phone use while driving and avoiding other driving distractions. It is expected to air next month.

 Distracted driving programs -- Informational safe driving programs will be offered to businesses, high schools, senior centers and other community groups at no cost. The theme of these programs is that safe driving is YOUR responsibility and drivers need to make the commitment to drive responsibly. The 10 steps for safe driving -- plan your route, maintain your vehicle, focus your attention, minimize your distractions, know your surroundings, share your space, watch your speed, keep your distance, signal your intentions, always wear your seatbelt -- will be emphasized during these programs.

 Distracted driving brochures -- With the cooperation of community partners, thousands of distracted driving brochures will be distributed to businesses, high schools and senior centers as well as at health fairs and other community events.

 A new website -- A new webpage on distracted driving and other traffic safety issues is currently being developed by the county at www.westchestergov.com/trafficsafety and is expected to be launched in December.

 Enforcement -- Westchester County police and other local departments will continue to step up enforcement to reinforce the public education program and focus on speeding, cell phone use, seat belt use and other driver distractions.

Funding for the county-administered traffic safety program is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through a grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. For further information on this campaign and other safe driving issues, contact the Westchester County Department of Public Works, Traffic Safety at 995-2555.