Lathrop Police Department

You like to think of yourself as a responsible driver, right? In today's world, most people agree that drinking and driving is definitely not responsible. In fact, given that each year an estimated 150 drunk drivers in California alone are convicted of vehicular manslaughter, you might say that drinking and driving is not only irresponsible, it is down right deadly. With society's increased awareness and negative attitude toward drinking and driving, the belief that driving while intoxicated is a destructive behavior is widely accepted. What society is just recently beginning to buy into is that distracted driving can be just as dangerous, if not more dangerous than driving under the influence.

• 80% of drivers use their phones while behind the wheel, and 66 percent of 18-24 year olds text or email while driving.
• Reaction times of drivers who text deteriorate by 35%, compared to a 12% deterioration of reaction time for drivers drinking alcohol at the legal limit, and 21% for those using marijuana.

What better way to ruin a vehicular voyage than with distracted driving. By now, the topic of distracted driving is a popular one, and it will continue to be popular until more people take serious measures to remain focused while driving. If you're the one driving, it's your responsibility to drive safely; your life and the passengers you carry depend on it. Passengers can do their part too by encouraging safe driving practices and not being a distraction themselves. Items to avoid while driving:

• Driving drowsy – Pull over and rest until you’re refreshed or you will eventually wind up rolled over, in a ditch.
• Eating and drinking – Two hands on the wheel are better than one.
• Playing with the radio – Putting your head down to look at the stereo, for even a second, can be fatal.
• Texting or making a phone call – Put down that cell phone until you pull over. Seriously.
• Other passengers – As the driver, your focus is the road, not those sitting in the back seat.