Distracted driving leads to increase in auto accidents Published July 28, 2010 81st Training Wing Safety office, 81st Security Forces Squadron and 81st Training Wing Public Affiar KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Since January, Keesler has experienced 131 vehicular accidents, a significant increase from previous years. Most accidents have occurred at the parking lot for the base exchange and commissary and the installation entry control point gates. The 81st Security Forces Squadron reports that the primary reason for these accidents is inattentiveness by the driver. Distracted driving is a dangerous phenomenon, not just at Keesler, but across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 6,000 people died and more than half a million were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver in 2008, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Distraction occurs when a driver is delayed in the recognition of information needed to safely accomplish the driving task. It can be because of some event, activity, object, or person within or outside the vehicle. In other words, anything that takes your mind off driving is a distraction. "Although cell phones are still a major safety concern, we do our best to keep educating everybody on a lot of other activities that can cause danger while driving," said Virgil Mitchell, 81st Training Wing safety chief. He also lists eating and changing the radio as some of the other top dangers. "Ear plugs and headphones are another potential problem in safety," Mr. Mitchell pointed out. "Even pedestrians are at risk of distraction when they impair their ability to hear. The better you hear, the quicker you can take defensive action, especially when it comes to hearing emergency vehicles." To stem the tide of distracted driving accidents on base and during other vehicular travel, the safety office and security forces remind Keesler drivers to: Minimize multitasking as much as possible. Texting, flipping between radio stations, reading or other activities reduce your focus on driving and inevitably increases your likelihood of being involved in an accident. Place potential distracters like newspapers, magazines and day planners in the trunk until you get to your destination. Plan your route before driving to your destination. Do all of your personal grooming prior to getting into the vehicle. Don't eat or drink in the vehicle. Avoid engaging in complex or emotional conversations on the cell phone or with a passenger. Always look both ways before exiting a parking space or crossing a traffic lane. It's not uncommon for two vehicles to simultaneously back up in adjacent stalls. Always maintain situational awareness of the actions of other drivers. If you're involved in an accident on base, call the 81st SFS, 377-3040, for immediate assistance. Don't move your vehicle until 81st SFS personnel arrive unless it's an emergency situation. Have proof of insurance and your driver's license ready to expedite accident investigation and paperwork. For more information, call Staff Sgt. Sheralyn Gonzalez, 376-6604, or the safety office hotline, 377-7233.