DID YOU KNOW?
An average of 9 people a day are killed in crashes involving a distracted driver. Vehicle crashes are the number one cause of workplace death, and distracted driving has become a persistent danger on our roads.

For the past decade, distracted driving has taken over U.S. roadways, endangering not only the distracted drivers but also their passengers, pedestrians, and others using the road. When we're behind the wheel, we must focus on one task: safe driving. Anytime you shift your attention from driving, you're distracted.

Distracted driving comes in many forms: adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating, and drinking. But cell phone use—specifically texting, talking, and social media use—is the most common distraction. Texting, which includes messaging, is considered the most dangerous type of distracted driving because it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distraction.

Recently, Greater Cincinnati Water Works’ employees have been involved in vehicle crashes with citizens who fail to yield to temporary traffic control precautions while utility maintenance/repair has been underway. These incidents of distracted driving have caused our employees to be injured while trying to do their normal work duties – making sure clean water is supplied to our community. Our employees are so valuable to us and their families; they deserve a safe area to work. Please be mindful of distracted driving and choose not to pick up the phone while driving.

In 2022, 3,308 people were killed and nearly 290,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers.
Consider these tips for safe driving:
· If you have to text, pull over to a safe location and park your car — only then should you read or send the text message.
· Distracted driving isn’t just texting, scrolling through social media or messaging while driving is distracted driving too.
· Appoint your passenger as the “designated texter” to respond to calls or messages.
· Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone away in the trunk so you won't be tempted to respond.
· Speak up if you see someone texting and driving and ask them to put their phone away.

Greater Cincinnati Water Works utility workers are on the roads completing work daily. Please put the phone down and protect our utility workers this month and every month.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and National Safety Council