DEARBORN, Mich. – April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and this morning AAA Michigan has issued a new alert urging drivers to ditch distractions when driving.
This alert comes as newly released data shows more than 40,000 people died in car accidents in 2016 and 10% of those deaths were caused by distracted drivers.
Recommended Videos
The Dearborn based auto club says that's a 6% increase from 2015 and a major 14% increase since 2014.
According to the National Safety Council it is the most dramatic two-year increase since 1964.
Triple-A is also unveiling the results of a recent survey that shows the top five dangerous driving distractions involving Michigan drivers.
Texting while driving topped the list as the most dangerous distractions, followed by driving when tired, grooming(brushing hair, putting on makeup), talking on a hand-held cell phone and reaching for objects not near you.
“As a long-time traffic safety advocate, AAA urges all Michigan motorists to get back to basics, ditch the distractions and just drive," said Susan Hiltz, Michigan Public Affairs Director for AAA.
AAA Michigan offers five tips for preventing texting while driving which include: Silencing your cell phone, asking for help from a passenger, concentrating on your commute, placing your phone in the glove box or trunk and downloading a safety app.