Boy Scouts of America

Distracted Driving

Adult Audience Only

 

SUMMARY

Distracted driving is considered “any activity that diverts the driver’s attention away from driving,” according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The distractions can include a wide range of a driver’s or passenger’s personal actions or activities while in a vehicle. Even if a driver is only trying to keep Scouts in their seats while the vehicle is in motion, that is a distraction.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Potentially Deadly Consequences

Distracted driving can have deadly consequences. In 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 14% of all motor vehicle traffic crashes in the U.S. involved distraction, and 2,841 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Preventing Distractions:

Explore these essential guidelines for reducing or completely eradicating distractions while driving:
  • When you get in a vehicle, put away your mobile device so you won’t be tempted to look at or answer it.
  • Turn the mobile device to “silent” or “off.”
  • Only check your texts and messages during rest stops or food breaks.
  • If you must use the phone, pull off the road and to a safe location.
  • Do not call or send messages while you are driving or to others you know are driving.

Setting Individual and Unit Examples

When a driver or a passenger sets an example, they are telling other adults and youth that they are choosing to drive, or help others drive, safely and not put lives at risk. Maybe your unit can come up with a catchy phrase that will help remind everyone to drive distraction-free before each trip. You can also access some short, attention-getting videos to help reinforce this message within your unit.
 
RESOURCES

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.