Drivers reminded to stay attentive

Police agencies across the Northern Shenandoah Valley are reminding people that Wednesday has been designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Day.

Certain activities can distract a driver's attention and lead to crashes, the Winchester Police Department warns in a press release. Such activities include eating, talking or texting on a cell phone, programming global positioning systems, putting on makeup, reading and trying to keep children occupied, according to the release. Other behaviors include reaching for a moving object, driving while tired or drowsy, and looking for an external object.

A Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study found that 80 percent of all crashes and 65 percent of all near-crashes involved driver inattention within three seconds of the crash, the release states.

Police recommend drivers minimize distractions by planning their route; managing their time, avoiding multi-tasking; being aware of other drivers; concentrating on driving; and avoiding driving while angry.

Visit www.drivesmartva.org for more information.

Daily Staff Report