PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — Two deputies with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office are expected to be okay after becoming victims of distracted driving within the past three weeks.
"We are thankful our deputy was released yesterday from the hospital, however, the result from the crash could have been much worse," said the sheriff's office on Facebook. "Prior to this crash, another deputy was hit from behind by a vehicle as he slowed for a car turning..."
PCSO says these are the top 10 causes of distracted driving:
- Emotions - Driving sad, angry or confused will take your focus off of driving.
- Smoking - lighting up, extinguishing a cigarette can all take your eyes off the road.
- Applying make-up or grooming - Not only are you taking your eyes off the road, but also your hands off the steering wheel.
- Daydreaming - Not the time to fantasize about your perfect job, driving is the task at hand.
- Eating or drinking - This is not the time for multitasking.
- Adjusting audio or climate controls - in newer vehicles you may have options on the steering wheel. Otherwise, wait to stop to make adjustments.
- Dealing with children and pets - Don't drive with Fluffy-poo or Mr. Whiskers in your lap. When your pet moves, your focus changes from driving to what the animal is doing. Parents we know kids are a huge distraction. Make sure they are buckled up, have snacks and something to distract them.
- Talking to passengers - This one is particularly hard for teen drivers who without experience may turn to talk and take their eyes off the road. A teen driver with one additional passenger is twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
- Using GPS - We all use it to get to our locations, but make sure whether using a cellphone or GPS device it is mounted and easy to see. Also turn up volume.
- And the #1 ... everyone can probably guess, TEXTING WHILE DRIVING!
Deputies say one out of every four car crashes is caused by texting and driving.
"We were lucky. While the loss of the vehicles is never welcomed, we are extremely thankful we did not lose lives. Please be aware of your surroundings when driving and remain focused on the road when operating a vehicle."
