NHP going after distracted drivers

Law enforcement agencies throughout Nevada will be focusing on distracted drivers from April 1-15.

The Nevada Highway Patrol will be working to urge motorists to keep their eyes on the road and put away cell phones or other items that cause distractions. On average, texting takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. When traveling at 55 mph, that is enough time to cover the length of a football field.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said deaths reached 3,477 in 2015 due to distracted driving. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating, drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system.