The Kansas Department of Transportation is
launching the Red Thumb Challenge to raise awareness of the risks of distracted
driving. Throughout April, everyone is invited to participate by simply
painting a thumbnail red and sharing their support of the initiative on their
favorite social media platform using #RedThumbChallenge.
“Every single day, you see it on the roads. You notice someone
veering into your lane or driving slower than everyone else, only to see that
driver looking at their phone and not focusing on the road,” said Chris Bortz,
KDOT Traffic Safety Program Manager. “Distracted driving has no place on our
roadways. Not only are you putting you and your passengers in jeopardy, but
you’re endangering others as well.”
By painting a thumbnail red, it serves as an instant reminder not
to text while driving. Participants are encouraged to challenge everyone they
know who gets behind the wheel to take the Red Thumb Challenge pledge.
Distracted driving is an increasing danger - since 2011, vehicle
crashes in Kansas known to be related to cell phone distractions have increased
by 31 percent, and fatalities have doubled. In 2016 alone, 633 car crashes were
the result of a cell phone distraction. Of these, 267 people were injured and
seven people were killed.
Bortz
continued, “Whether you’re male or female, teen or adult, all are invited to
take a stand against texting and driving by participating in the Red Thumb
Challenge.”
To
join the challenge, post an image of your red thumb with the hashtag
#RedThumbChallenge on your favorite social media platform. For the Red Thumb
Challenge lock screen, other participation tools and more information, please
visit @DriveSafeKansas on Facebook.
No comments:
Post a Comment