Distracted driving common cause of accidents

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - This year, the Indiana All Star Driving School in Lafayette has about 90 students in its summer driving school. Driving instructor Barry Reeser said students must complete two weeks of classroom work before they can get behind the wheel.

He said out of those two weeks, one entire three-hour class is devoted to distracted driving.

"It's constantly pounded into their heads about what could happen," said Reeser.

Reeser said if the videos showing real-life accidents caused by distracted driving don't catch their attention, telling students about the consequences usually will.

"First of all, right now if you're caught texting, it's a $500 fine," said Reeser.  "I mean, what teenager can afford a $500 fine?"

Reeser said they teach students that texting isn't the only thing that can cause distractions. He said it can be anything from messing with a CD, to talking with friends in the backseat.

West Lafayette Police Lieutenant Bill Gallagher said there have been 613 accidents so far in 2012, a rate of more than 3 a day, and an increase of 8 percent from last year. He said the most common cause is distracted driving.

"We're seeing a combination of texting and people not paying attention," said Lieutenant Gallagher. "Added in, is all the construction around town. People missing their turn, people in the wrong lane, people being detoured. If you add all that together, it's a culmination that has caused all these accidents."

Reeser said while teaching students about distracted driving is a main priority, he also realizes he can't stop them from doing it. He said their job as instructors is to just educate them about the dangers the best they can.

"They're going to use them," said Reeser. "Simple as that. We just sit there and all we can do is preach to them. I mean, we just teach what we can."

Reeser said while it's important to teach student drivers about the dangers, it's also important for adults to keep their eyes on the road and set a good example.