Distracted Driving
Hands-free is not risk free!
About 26% of all car crashes involve cell phones -- including hands-free calls. Thousands die needlessly each year because people continue to use their cell phones while driving. Join the National Safety Council in urging those you care about to understand the dangers of distracted driving. Learn more from the National Safety Council.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that could take a person’s attention away from the main task of driving:
- Texting
- Using a cell phone
- Eating and drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming (make-up, shaving, brushing hair)
- Reading, including maps/using a navigation system
- Watching a video
- Adjusting a music player
Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, which is the same as driving at 55 mph, the length of an entire football field.
Start Smart Classes
“After spending years protecting your children from all sorts of dangers on the road and off, you now face the prospect of handing them the keys to the family car. It's time for them to learn how to drive. Are you prepared? We can help you mold your teen into a safe and capable driver.” (NHSTA, 2020)
In this free, 2 hour online class that discusses traffic safety issues that directly affect new drivers. This class speaks directly to newly licensed drivers and their parents/guardians through candid conversations, discussing topics such as collision avoidance techniques along with collision causing elements such as excessive speed, DUI (Alcohol & Marijuana), and distracted driving.
For reservations, information or questions, please contact the Santa Barbara CHP office at (805) 967-1234 from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
