Everyone is well aware of the dangers that come with distracted driving. Unfortunately, the latest report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency shows that this knowledge has been largely futile in affecting behavioral changes and subsequently, the number of incidents and fatalities of young drivers. Among the troubling statistics associated with distracted driving:

-Cell phone use is highest amongst individuals between sixteen and twenty-four.

-According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency, in the United States, distracted driving kills about nine people and injures over one thousand people every day.

-The National Safety Council has reported that cell phone use while driving causes 1.6 million car crashes each year.

-Sending or reading a text message usually takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds which is long enough to cover a football field while driving at 55 mph. Even more disturbing, when you take your eyes off the road for even one second, your vehicle can travel around 95 feet at 65 mph.

-Text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver making it one of the most dangerous distractions for drivers by far.

These are just some of the many statistics that should encourage people to change their behavior and stop texting while driving. The Suburban Collection, Michigan’s largest auto dealer, is dedicated to promoting safe driving which is why they have launched its “Focus on the Road” initiative with select Metro Detroit area high schools. They are asking local high school students to create Public Service Announcements that will educate their peers on the dangers of distracted driving in hopes of minimizing this growing epidemic. The initiative was originally piloted with the Troy school district and has now been expanded to additional districts, including in Novi, Farmington/Farmington Hills, and Waterford.

Currently, the finalists from the Troy School District have been announced. Anyone interested in voting can go to The Suburban Collection’s Youtube Channel and by clicking the thumbs up button would submit their vote. Voting ends on February 12th at 8am with the winners being announced later that day. For the other school districts, video submissions are due on March 2nd, and the popular vote will begin on March 12th. The winners will be announced on March 28th. The video with the most likes will receive a $2500 scholarship. Second place will receive $1000, and third place will receive $500. The school of the top video will also receive a $500 donation.

The Suburban Collection believes everyone should be informed of the dangers of distracted driving and this initiative will hopefully get that message across.