To curb the distracted driving epidemic, PennDOT has launched a campaign urging drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their hands off their phones during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Motorists and pedestrians alike are encouraged to take the "Park the Phone" pledge, committing to steer clear of distractions like texting, calling, or scrolling while driving.

The pledge cards, being signed by participants today at the PennDOT District Office, are just one facet of the campaign spotlighting a serious issue. Distractions lurking within the vehicle, such as munching on snacks, fumbling for objects, tinkering with the stereo, and even primping in the rearview mirror, can be just as perilous as cell phone use. PennDOT employees took the lead by making the pledge, aiming to set an example countrywide, as reported by the department's latest press release.

With teens aged 15-18 at the highest risk—motor vehicle crashes ranking as the top killer according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration—the message is clear: good driving habits must start early. PennDOT's data paints a grim portrait of the consequences of not doing so: over 11,268 distracted driving incidents in 2023, with 65 of these having fatal outcomes. Setting a solid driving example is not just advisable, it's critical.

In the Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence County region alone, the statistics are unsettling. Last year witnessed 1,794 crashes linked to distractions, with 6 resulting in the loss of life. The "Park the Phone" campaign is not just a plea but a necessary measure in the ongoing battle against the hazards of distracted driving, a battle that, if not fought with conviction, could see more unnecessary tragedies on the roads, as PennDOT's preliminary data suggests.