(File Photo of AAA East Central Logo Provided with Release Courtesy of AAA East Central)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) AAA is urging the public to recognize the deadly consequences of inattention behind the wheel. As incidents of distracted driving increase across the country, Distracted Driving Awareness Month (April of 2026) serves as an important reminder to all motorists of the potentially fatal risks that can be caused by texting, talking on the phone, or using other mobile apps. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,275 people were killed and more than 324,000 were injured in distracted driving crashes in 2023: an average of nine deaths and nearly 900 injuries every day. According to a release from AAA East Central in Pittsburgh, AAA recommends motorists to follow these tips to stay focused behind the wheel and help prevent tragedies:

• Utilize the Driving Focus feature on smartphones to minimize distractions.
• Pull over safely to make a call or send a text.
• While a passenger, speak up if the driver of the vehicle is distracted.
• Put phones out of sight to reduce temptation.
• Program GPS before starting a trip, not while driving.
• Ask passengers for help with navigation, calls, or texts.
• Don’t be a distraction—avoid calling or texting others while they’re driving.