Young drivers learn texting dangers

Texting Citations in Tennessee• The state began citing drivers for texting while driving in January 2010.• In 2010, 171 texting-while-driving citations were issued statewide.• So far 2011, 132 texting-while-driving citations have been issued statewide.• In Hamilton County, two texting-while-driving citations have been issued so far in 2011.The Big PictureThirty-four states, including Tennessee and Georgia, ban text messaging for all drivers.Thirty states, including Tennessee and Georgia, ban all cellphone use for novice drivers.No state bans all cellphone use for all drivers.Source: Governors Highway Safety AssociationDon’t Drive Distracted• Turn off your phone or put it on silent.• Set up a special message to tell callers that you are driving and you’ll get back to them as soon as possible, or sign up for a service that offers this.• If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe area first.• Ask a passenger to make the call for you.• Know the law in states where you are traveling.• Review maps and directions before you start to drive. If you need help when you are on the road, ask a passenger to help or pull over to a safe location to review the map/directions again.• Secure your pets and children properly before you start to drive.• Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading and any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road.Source: Governors Highway Safety Association.