As some of you may know, April is national distracted driving awareness month. Anything that takes your mind off driving is a distraction. Texting is an obvious distraction, but other examples include talking, social networking, eating, putting on makeup, using a navigation system, and even drinking coffee. Everyday, Troopers look for those that choose to text and drive. During April, Troopers will be enforcing Louisiana’s law and participating in special enforcement details.

We ask that drivers make the mature and responsible decision by making good choices. If you must send a text or email, simply pullover and stop your vehicle in a safe location, not on the shoulder of the roadway. Another choice would be to have a passenger send the text or email for you. Do not scroll through apps or social networks while driving. If using your phone while driving has become a habit, simply place the phone out of reach while driving. Place it in an area of the vehicle that you can not access.

Take time to educate your friends and family about the dangers of driving distracted. Nobody is immune to the potential deadly consequences. Violating the law can be very costly, whether it’s a high fine, serious injury, or death.

Don’t become a statistic.