Michigan Basic Driver Improvement Course Provider Puts Distracted Driving in Perspective

Education Intervention Programs (EIP) is placing a larger emphasis on the dangers associated with distracted driving in their classroom and online Michigan Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC).

Distracted driving is a common and growing problem. It is described as engaging in any non-driving activity that increases the risk of crashing. These activities may include eating, drinking, using a GPS device, talking to passengers, talking on the phone, texting, grooming, reading (including maps), watching a video, or adjusting a radio, CD player or mp3 player.

According to the USDOT, for the year 2010, 3,092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and an estimated additional 416,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver.

Texting and driving is the most alarmingly dangerous distraction because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver.

Last year, over 11,000 deaths were attributed to texting and driving in the US alone.

To respond to the rising number casualties, EIP Michigan uses their Basic Driver Improvement Course to highlight the dangers and promote awareness of distracted driving.

These facts and figures have been used to put the dangers of distracted driving in perspective for both teen and adult drivers.

Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent-at 55 mph-of driving the length of an entire football field, blind

Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves

Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%.

Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not distracted.

With an emphasis on driver safety awareness, EIP Michigan's Basic Driver Improvement Course has left an impact on past students that will help them stay safe on the road in the future.

EIP is a Michigan based company, dedicated to providing educational programs and counseling services that have been designed to satisfy court, state and employer mandated requirements. EIP Michigan has been providing education programs since 1969.