AAA urges drivers to pay more attention to roadways during Distracted Driving Awareness Month

(Bismarck, ND) -- Traffic deaths and crashes are on the rise across North Dakota, and one expert is giving tips to reduce distractions impaling your driving skills.

Gene LaDouceur, AAA's Director of Public Affairs for the state of North Dakota, spoke to WDAY Radio's The Coffee Club to spread awareness on the dangers of distracted driving. A recent study conducted by AAA shows the number of accidents and fatalities is on the rise, and LaDouceur says the number of distractions is ever-growing as well. 

"There are so many types of distractions, you have mental distractions,  physical distractions, and visual distractions... There's about 100 deaths every year in traffic crashes in North Dakota, there is about 400 per year in Minnesota, "said LaDouceur," The official estimates put distracted Irving crashes at about 10% of crashes  But you talk to anyone in law enforcement or who work in the traffic safety area that will admit that is well underrepresented - that they think its 30% or higher."

One message LaDouceur wanted to keep clear is the need to present role-models for younger generations, especially for the youngest drivers on the roads. He says one of the better ways to reduce distractions is to turn off your phone in the vehicle, or at least set it to silent. Other distractions can include anything that turns your attention from the pavement and gravel.

"There is a lot of different distractions out there; including combing your hair, shaving, reading a book, even taking a nap now days - with some of the new automobiles out there, "said LaDouceur.