Are You a Zombie? Cell Phone Use Can Make You One

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), California Highway Patrol (CHP), and more than 200 law enforcement agencies across the state have announced high visibility enforcement operations during the month.

But aside from the possibliity of a citation (last year nearly 6000 were issued in Northern California during the month-long campaign), or even worse an inadvertent collision, drivers should ask themselves this important question:

Am I becoming a zombie?

Behind the wheel, cell phone use can significantly reduce the brain functions needed for safe driving, sometimes up to 37 percent. The cell phone conversation can cause such a reduction in proper brain function that good drivers are transforming seemingly into inattentive “zombies” behind the wheel.

To avoid falling victim to “zombie-like” distracted driving behaviors, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is providing drivers with the following tips that can be implemented by any motorist:

• Turn off your phone and/or put it out of reach while driving
• Include in your outgoing message that you can’t answer while you are driving
• Don’t call or text anyone at a time when you think they may be driving
• Adjust controls and set your song playlist before you set out on the road
• Stay alert and keep your mind on the task of driving- often after a long day at work or a not-so-restful night’s sleep, people’s minds can wander when behind the wheel. If you find yourself daydreaming - clear your head and focus on the road.

Drivers and passengers alike are invited to check out all the "Distracted Driving Zombies" and add comments on the OTS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS , and follow OTS on Twitter @OTS_CA. Get more distracted driving information at www.distraction.gov, www.ots.ca.gov, and teen information at www.impactteendrivers.org.