April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

And whether you’re out for a drive, listening on the radio, or you’re at home watching TV or looking at something on your phone, there’s a good chance that you’ll see or hear a public service announcement with reminders to “just drive” and to focus on the road.

It’s good advice, considering that more than 3,000 people died and 400,000 people were injured last year due to accidents caused by a distracted driver. That’s an average of nine deaths every day.

What you might not realize is that in addition to the devastation that can (and does) result from someone trying to send a text, eat a sandwich, shave, or put on some makeup while they’re at the wheel, distracted driving can lead to someone being the victim of a cybercrime.

• The fact is, drivers distracted by their phones are more likely to be involved in accidents, which can lead to situations where their phones are compromised, and their personal information can be stolen.
• Additionally, cybercriminals can exploit the heightened stress and vulnerability of accident victims, potentially leading to phishing scams or identity theft.
• Some of the potential for a cybercrime can also stem from the confusion and delays that can occur as part of the insurance process.
  • For example, a fraudulent claim could be filed using stolen identities, making it difficult for the actual victim to get their claim processed.
• In the aftermath of an accident, there is a lot of property damage and that can extend to a phone or a mobile device, which could be lost, stolen or otherwise compromised.
  • The cybercriminals also could take advantage of the situation by contacting accident victims with false information, such as claims of needing emergency funds, in order to try and steal someone’s money by gaining access to their bank account and other sensitive information.

Likewise, if a driver is distracted while driving and is concerned that they are at fault for the accident, they may be slower to report it to the authorities or respond to emergency calls. They might try to avoid reporting it at all, or they leave the scene altogether. These types of delays can create opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit the situation, either by contacting the driver with fake offers of assistance or claiming to be an insurance adjuster.

While it’s true that, sometimes, there will be situations that you can’t avoid completely. Instead, it has to be managed. Keeping that in mind, there’s 10 ‘top’ tips that AAA recommends that all of us follow as a way to avoid distractions while driving that includes:

• Fully focus on driving. Do not let anything divert your attention, actively scan the road, use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Store loose gear, possessions and other distractions that could roll around in the car, so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.
• Make adjustments before you get underway. This includes adjusting your seat, mirrors and climate controls before hitting the road. Also, decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.
• Finish getting ready at home – instead of once you get on the road.
• Snack smart. If possible, eat meals or snacks before or after your trip, not while driving. On the road, avoid messy foods that can be difficult to manage.
• Secure children and pets before getting underway. If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them. Reaching into the back seat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Put aside your cell phone. Never text, read email, play video games, or scroll on the internet or social media while driving. If you have passengers, let them be your co-pilot so you can focus safely on driving.
• If another activity demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place. To avoid temptation, turn your phone off or store it somewhere you cannot reach it before heading out.
• As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it’s a distraction and it’s a good idea to take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.

The bottom line is, beginning with the moment we get in a car that we recognize that distracted driving can lead to a chain of events that not only can cause us physical harm (or what we refer to in the cyber world as a kinetic attack), but that there are also digital threats. By taking the time to just drive, we can help protect ourselves – along with everyone else – when we’re out on the road.