The Governor’s Highway Safety Program is launching a safety campaign for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, according to a press release. In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, West Virginia is sending a clear message to all motorists: eyes forward, don’t drive distracted.
Between 2019 and 2023, more than 16,000 lives were lost in crashes involving diverted attention. In 2023 alone, 3,275 people were killed in traffic crashes involving at least one distracted driver, accounting for 8% of all traffic fatalities that year. An estimated additional 324,819 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023.
“Distraction isn’t just about a quick text; it’s any activity that takes your focus off the road,” said Jack McNeely, GHSP director. “When you look away, you aren’t just risking your own life — you are endangering every passenger, pedestrian and cyclist around you.”
To keep West Virginia roads safe, the following tips are recommended:
- Designate a texter: Let your passenger handle the phone.
- Park to post: If you must send a message, pull over safely first.
- Silence the noise: Use “Do Not Disturb” to eliminate incoming pings.
- Out of reach: Keep your phone in the glove box or back seat to remove temptation.
- Eyes on the road: Avoid scrolling social media or checking apps entirely.
Law enforcement statewide will be on the lookout for people using their phones while driving. “These are our communities, too,” said First Sgt. Eric McClung, traffic records director for the West Virginia State Police. “We write these citations to keep everyone, including you and us, safe on the roadways. Our moms, grandpas, sisters, best friends, high school football coaches, coffee baristas and everyone we know travels our roads. We want all of them to be able to get to and from their destinations safely.”
GHSP is also launching a new Local Heroes media campaign featuring local law enforcement from the Eastern Panhandle, Northern Panhandle, Metro Valley and statewide who discuss why distracted driving enforcement is important to them.
For more information on distracted driving, visit NHTSA.gov/DistractedDriving. For more information on the West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program, visit highwaysafety.wv.gov or call 304-926-2509.
