Focus on the Road: This April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Life moves fast in Tampa Bay. Whether you’re commuting into Downtown Tampa, heading home to Brandon, or navigating the critical connection to MacDill Air Force Base, we’re all balancing a lot. But there is one place where multitasking should never happen: behind the wheel.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and here at the THEA, we are reminding everyone on the Selmon Expressway and our surrounding neighborhoods that safety always comes first.

The Reality of Distraction

Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the primary task of driving. This falls into three main categories:

  1. Visual: Taking your eyes off the road.
  2. Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel.
  3. Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving.

The main culprit is your phone. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for five seconds (the average time it takes to read a text) is like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed. In the high volume of the Selmon Expressway commute or the tight turns of Downtown, those few seconds are all it takes for a life-altering crash to occur.

THEA’s Commitment to Safety

At THEA, your safety is our top priority. The unique features of the Selmon Expressway, including our elevated Reversible Express Lanes (REL), are designed for efficiency and to reduce congestion. However, these systems only work safely if every driver is focused.

How You Can Commit to Focus This April

Making a change starts with a choice. This month, we challenge all Tampa drivers to consciously eliminate distractions. Here is how you can help:

  • Use “Do Not Disturb”: Most smartphones have a driving mode that silences notifications and can auto-reply to let contacts know you are on the road.
  • Pre-Set Your Tech: Adjust your mirrors, select your playlist, and program your GPS before you shift into drive.
  • Be a S.A.F.E. (Speak up, Assist, Focus, Enter) Passenger: If you see your driver using their phone, speak up. Offer to navigate or send the text for them.
  • Pull Over Safely: If a message is truly urgent, exit the expressway and find a safe parking lot or gas station before reaching for your device.

Your Focus Saves Lives

A safe commute isn’t just about avoiding a ticket; it’s about ensuring every driver, passenger, and pedestrian in our community returns home at the end of the day.

This April, and every month, let’s work together to keep our roads focused. By keeping your eyes up and your hands on the wheel, you’re doing your part to ensure everyone in Tampa reaches their destination safely. Safe driving is a commitment we all make to one another.