Don't Drive Intexicated, Intoxicated In NH: It Has Deadly Consequences

MANCHESTER, NH — Distracted driving can be a deadly choice and is avoidable.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 people died in distracted-related crashes in the U.S. in 2020, accounting for 8.1 percent of all roadway fatalities.

As part of its campaign, “Don’t Drive Intoxicated. Don’t Drive Intexticated,” New Hampshire Safety Leaders, AAA, and a victim of a distracted driving crash came together to share a strong message in an effort to make this dangerous driving habit as socially unacceptable as impaired driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 people died in distracted-related crashes in the U.S. in 2020, accounting for 8.1 percent of all roadway fatalities. That’s an average of 9 people killed each day in totally preventable crashes. Additionally, another 400,000 people are injured each year in distracted-related crashes.

It is estimated that in 2020, distracted driving accounted for as much as 30% of all crashes throughout New Hampshire. However, the true numbers of deaths and injuries are likely much higher because distracted driving is often underreported and/or difficult to determine as the cause of a crash

The photos of nine people killed in accidents attributed to distracted driving were highlighted at a media event hosted by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. The nine pictures represent the average number of people killed each day by distracted drivers.

As the group shared statistics at the ballfield, they highlighted the perspective that on average, it takes about 5 seconds to read or send a text message. Traveling at 55 mph is like driving the distance, around the bases — blindfolded.

A video showing actual incidents of teens who lost control or crashed because of distracted driving was made available by AAA to show the effects of distracted driving.

Officials at the media event reminded people that distracted driving is not only an issue when moving but also when stopped at intersections. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research found a driver’s mind remains distracted for up to 27 seconds after using a smartphone or voice-to-text vehicle infotainment system to send text messages, make phone calls or update social media. At the 25 MPH speed limit in the study, drivers traveled the length of nearly three football fields during this time.

Marilyn Bachman, spoke about her husband, John Bachman who was in front of their house getting their mail when he was killed by a distracted driver in Amherst. The driver in that crash left the scene, and her husband was later discovered with life-threatening injuries.

Commissioner Robert Quinn, New Hampshire Department of Safety, Captain Chris Vetter, Commander New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety, John Marasco, and Director New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles all assisted in highlighting the dangers of distracted driving.

A public service video was shared by Mike Ramshaw, President, New Hampshire Fisher Cats, and Dan Goodman, AAA Northern New England.

The video which can be viewed here will be shown throughout all the Fisher Cats games during the 2022 season.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news