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‘Distracted driving accounts for many car crashes in the CNMI’
Distracted driving, such as the use of phones and mixing betel nuts and other things while driving, accounts for many number of crashes in the CNMI, according to the Department of Public Safety.
DPS records show that as of Oct. 31, 2017, a total 218 crashes this year were blamed on distracted driving. There were 281 incidents of car crashes involving distracted driving in 2016, and 203 in 2015.
DPS disclosed these numbers, among other statistics, at yesterday’s proclamation signing that declared December as the CNMI Drunk, Drugged, Drowsy, and Distracted Driving Prevention Month.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres called upon the community to join the National Holiday Season Impaired Driving Month’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from Nov. 23, 2017 to Jan. 1, 2018.
“We urge everyone to remember the hazards of impaired and distracted driving and to become involved in fighting this dangerous behavior,” Torres said.
New DPS vehicles and vessels were also blessed at the ceremony held at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.
DPS said the use of mobile technology has become so popular that its use can be seen everywhere, even while driving.
“Taking your eyes off the road, mixing your betel nut, talking to other passengers, or even eating a cheeseburger behind the wheel could cause a crash,” DPS said.
On alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes, DPS said on Saipan alone, from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, 2017, out of 1,931 reported crashes, 76 were alcohol related and two were killed involving alcohol.
In 2016, out of 2,068 reported crashes, 57 were alcohol related, with three killed involving alcohol.
In 2015, there were 1,484 reported crashes and 46 of them were alcohol related, according to DPS.
