Carson City Sheriff’s Office warns of distracted driving

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is asking drivers to be aware of distracted driving.

“If you are distracted while driving you could be involved in a car crash,” said Sgt. Scott McDaniel in a press release. “Whether you are talking on your cell phone, texting while driving, putting on make-up, reading or any other action that takes your attention away from the roadway, you are putting yourself at risk when operating a motor vehicle.”

The most current figures show in 2012, 3,328 people were killed in distraction affected crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

Cell phone use and texting are the two most common distractions people have while driving a car.

“At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving,” according to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey.

“Operating a motor vehicle on today’s roadways takes a lot of concentration and observation to avoid striking or being struck by another vehicle,” McDaniel said. “By not using devices that pull your attention away from your driving you are increasing the safety of our roadways for both you and your fellow motorist.”