"Make safe driving your only distraction" Campaign
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association is taking action to combat distracted driving through its new campaign, "Make Safe Driving Your Only Distraction." This educational and enforcement initiative is designed to raise awareness and reduce distracted driving across the state. Backed by insights from local focus groups and survey data, the campaign will roll out a strategic mix of outreach efforts, including social media content, a :30 radio spot, and newspaper advertisements, to raise awareness and promote safer driving habits.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes your focus away from the road. This includes anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, your mind off the task of driving, or any combination of these.
Common distractions include texting or talking on the phone, eating or drinking, chatting with passengers, adjusting the radio, or using a navigation system. In short, anything that pulls your attention away from driving safely is a distraction. Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds to send or read a text while traveling at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Safe driving requires your full attention. Any activity that shifts your focus—even briefly— increases your chances of being involved in a crash.
Rhode Island Hands Free Law
Rhode Island passed a hands-free law in June 2018. Drivers cannot hold a cell phone or other wireless device while operating a vehicle. The law is not only in effect while the car is in motion, but also when stopped at red lights or stop signs. The use of headphones or other accessories that cover both ears is also not allowed. However, drivers are permitted to use in-car or hands-free systems, including those that use Bluetooth or similar wireless technology. It’s also important to note that drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use any mobile electronic devices while driving—whether hands-free or not.
Consequences of Distracted Driving
If a police officer sees a driver holding a phone while driving, the driver can be pulled over and fined up to $100.
Beyond the legal consequences, using a cell phone while driving poses a serious risk to everyone on the road. In 2023 alone, 3,275 lives were lost in crashes involving distracted drivers. An estimated 324,819 people were injured in similar incidents. Distraction was a factor in 8% of all fatal crashes, approximately 13% of injury crashes, and 13% of all police-reported traffic crashes that year. Tragically, this also affected those outside of vehicles—611 nonoccupants, including pedestrians and bicyclists, were killed in distraction-related crashes. These numbers highlight the devastating impact of distracted driving and the urgent need for safer driving habits.
Tips for Minimizing Distractions While Driving
1. Set Your GPS Before You Go:
Enter your destination into your GPS or mapping app before you start driving. If you need to make changes mid-route, pull over safely first.
2. Pick Your Playlist Ahead of Time:
Choose your music, podcast, or audiobook before hitting the road. Avoid scrolling through playlists or changing stations while driving.
3. Turn on “Do Not Disturb While Driving”:
Activate your phone’s Do Not Disturb feature to silence notifications, calls, and texts while you're on the road. Many phones can do this automatically when they detect driving.
4. Secure Your Phone Out of Reach:
Place your phone in the glove box, center console, or use a dashboard mount if you’re using it for navigation. Keeping it out of your hands helps you stay focused.
5. Limit Conversations: Keep conversations with passengers to a minimum, especially in challenging driving conditions. If you're using a hands-free device, keep calls brief and only when necessary.
6. Avoid Eating or Drinking:
Eating behind the wheel can be a major distraction. Plan time to eat before or after your trip, or pull over if you need a quick snack.
7. Take Care of Grooming at Home:
Don’t apply makeup, shave, or engage in any personal grooming while driving. These actions can take your eyes and attention off the road.
8. Secure Loose Items:
Make sure bags, gear, and other objects are stored safely so they don’t shift or roll around while driving, which could tempt you to reach for them.
9. Stay Mentally Focused:
Avoid letting your mind wander. Stay aware of your surroundings, road signs, and other vehicles. If you’re feeling distracted or drowsy, take a break.
