During April, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is launching a safety campaign for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
In partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, West Virginia is sending a clear message to all motorists: Eyes Forward. Don’t Drive Distracted.
Distracted driving is a national crisis. Between 2019-23, more than 16,000 lives were lost in crashes involving diverted attention.
In 2023 alone, there were 3,275 people killed in traffic crashes involving at least one distracted driver, accounting for 8% of all traffic fatalities that year.
An estimated additional 324,819 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers in 2023.
“Distraction isn’t just about a quick text; it’s any activity that takes your focus off the road,” said Jack McNeely, GHSP director. “When you look away, you aren’t just risking your own life—you are endangering every passenger, pedestrian, and cyclist around you.”
To keep West Virginia roads safe, the following tips are recommended:
Designate a Texter: Let your passenger handle the phone.
Park to Post: If you must send a message, pull over safely first.
Silence the Noise: Use “Do Not Disturb” to eliminate incoming pings.
Out of Reach: Keep your phone in the glove box or back seat to remove temptation.
Eyes on the Road: Avoid scrolling social media or checking apps entirely.
Law enforcement statewide will be on the lookout for people using their phones while driving. 
“These are our communities, too,” stated First Sgt. Eric McClung, traffic records director for the State Police.
“We write these citations to keep everyone, including you and us, safe on the roadways.  Our moms, grandpas, sisters, best friends, high school football coaches, coffee baristas and everyone we know travels our roads.  We want all of them to be able to get to and from their destinations safely.”