Broward College Observes National Traffic Awareness Month

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (August 7, 2014) – Broward College is observing National Traffic Awareness Month in August by educating drivers about the serious repercussions of using cell phones and hands-free devices while operating a vehicle.

“Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving,” said Broward College’s instructor of vehicle operations and first aid, Wayne Boulier. “All distractions endanger driver, passenger and pedestrian safety.”

According to Boulier, there are three forms of distracted driving, including visual or taking your eyes off of the road; manual or removing your hands from the wheel; and cognitive or taking your mind off of driving. These distractions include eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, reading, looking at maps or using a GPS, grooming, and, perhaps the most unsafe, texting or using a cell phone. Cell phone use while driving isn’t just a visual and manual distraction, but a cognitive distraction as well.   

“Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity by 37 percent,” said Boulier. So far this year, the National Safety Council estimates there have been more than 400,000 car crashes involving drivers using cell phones. To eliminate the risk, there is a simple solution - when in the car, refrain from using a cellphone. To avoid temptation, place it somewhere out of reach, such as the glove box, and if you are worried about an emergency, set your phone to deliver a unique ringtone for urgent calls so you will know to pull over, park and safely take the call.

For more information, contact Wayne Boulier at 954-201-6385 or  wboulier@broward.edu .

-BC-