For the last four years, the organization Just Drive has been working to meet its mission of ending distracted driving and to raise awareness by creating a day recurring each year on a Saturday in April in Monticello.
This year, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shelter at home order from the state, the 5th Annual Just Drive Day will be a virtual event on Saturday, April 25. Families are encouraged to go for a walk or ride bikes together and make of poster or use sidewalk chalk to send a safe driving message. They are asked to share photos of their experience on Just Drive Day’s Facebook page or on Twitter (@justdriveday) using the hashtag #JustDrive. They are also encouraged to wear orange so as to stand out and make sure to maintain social distancing.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and there is a reason why groups like Just Drive are trying to get the message out. Almost 80 percent of all vehicle crashing are caused by distracted driving. Distraction is a factor in 58 percent of crashes involving teens. The odds of a crash increase 23 times when texting, as opposed to four times when intoxicated.
For more information on the event and about Just Drive, click this link and you will be directed to its website: http://www.justdriveday.org/?fbclid=IwAR2tAnxTAkwt__G0PbaCYIHOOEkEKevfgsYqDCSveruzytiDiPQTKDYT-48
