During the busy summer driving season, AAA is revealing a new campaign to reduce distracted driving. Called ‘Don’t Drive Intexticated,’ the campaign compares drinking and driving to texting and driving. AAA will be adding signage to gas stations in Wichita and Topeka and hopes it can reduce the number of distracted driving related deaths that occur daily. Each day 9 people die, and another 1,000 are injured in distracted driving related crashes.  “Distracted driving is such a widespread, dangerous and potentially deadly behavior that AAA must be innovative in its efforts to raise awareness and effect change,” said  Shawn Steward, spokesperson for AAA Kansas. “Where better to remind drivers to put down their phones than when they are sort of a captive audience while they are filling up their gas tanks?”

Triple A also has tips to avoid distracted driving:

• Put it away. Place your mobile device out of sight to prevent temptation.
• Know where you’re going. If using a navigation system, program the destination before driving.
• Pull over. If you have to call or text while on the road, pull off the road safely and stop first.
• Ask passengers for help. If riding with someone, seek their help to navigate, make a call or send a message.
• Be a good passenger. Speak out if the driver of your vehicle is distracted.
• Don’t be a distraction.  Avoid calling or texting others when you know they are driving.
• Everyone should prevent being intexticated. Just as drivers need to pay attention, so do pedestrians and bicyclists. Never call, text or play games while walking or cycling.