Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office joins National Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office is taking a stand against distracted driving this April by partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its annual Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign. The initiative aims to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving and to enforce laws that help keep roadways safe for all.
Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of traffic crashes across the country. Whether it’s texting, talking on the phone, adjusting a GPS, or eating while behind the wheel, distractions can have deadly consequences. According to the NHTSA, over 3,000 lives were lost due to distracted driving in 2022 alone.
In Botetourt County, the Sheriff’s Office is increasing patrols throughout the month to identify and stop distracted drivers before tragedies occur.
“The message is simple, when you’re driving, your focus should be on the road, not your phone,” said Sheriff Matthew Ward. “We’ve seen firsthand how quickly lives can change due to one moment of distraction.”
Deputies will be on the lookout for drivers who are texting, using handheld devices, or otherwise not giving their full attention to the task of driving. Sheriff Ward emphasized that the goal is not just enforcement, but also education.
“We want to remind our community that no message, no social media post, no phone call is worth a life,” Ward added. “We’re urging everyone to put the phone down, stay alert, and just drive.”
The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to talk to friends and family about the risks of distracted driving and to set a good example for young drivers in particular.
- Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” while driving
- Set your GPS and playlist before you start the car
- Pull over safely if you need to make a call or send a message
- Speak up if you’re a passenger and the driver is distracted
The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting the community and making our roads safer for everyone.
This April, and every day, remember: Eyes on the road. Hands on the wheel. Just drive.
~ Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office
