West Virginia (WOAY) It only takes a moment, but the consequences can last a lifetime.
April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and AAA is reminding drivers to stay focused behind the wheel.
Each year, more than three thousand people are killed, and hundreds of thousands more are injured, because of distracted driving.
Officials say the causes range from texting and phone calls to eating, adjusting controls, or even daydreaming.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about nine lives are lost every day due to distraction-related crashes.
In West Virginia, dozens of deadly crashes in recent years have been linked to distracted drivers.
State law prohibits the use of handheld devices while driving, requiring all drivers to go hands-free.
Safety experts say even a few seconds of distraction, like sending a text, can be the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
AAA says while most drivers know the risks, many still admit to using their phones behind the wheel.
Their message is simple.
Put the phone away, plan ahead, and stay engaged.
