Listen Live

STATE WIDE–Seven out of ten people have admitted they took pictures or video when they came upon a wreck or emergency on the highway. A new survey from the National Safety Council amd the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, says you may also be uploading those pics and videos while driving.

“There’s been distraction behind the wheel as long as there have been cars. But, the cell phone has really upped the ante,” said Kelly Nantel, vice president for Communications and Advocacy, for the National Safety Council.

She said 6 out of 10 people admit posting the pics to social media, or even e-mailing them while driving.

“Emails are even a more taxing effort,” she said. 

As a result, some people have hit emergency responders or their trucks or cars.

“More than one in 10 of our respondents said they either hit or nearly hit an emergency responder or the vehicle involved in the emergency,” said Nantel.

Since April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, she said you can take the opportunity and visit the National Safety Council website and take a pledge not to drive while distracted.

In Indiana it’s illegal to text and drive. If you’re under 18, you can’t use a cell phone while driving. If you come upon an emergency, or if there’s a cop stopped on the side of the road, you have to get over one lane, if possible, and slow down.

Audio titled KELLY NANTEL INTERVIEW DISTRACTED DRIVING by 93WIBC

“Our first responders are putting their lives at risk when they get out of their vehicles,” said Nantel. “Just one state over in Illinois last week, we lost two state troopers in two separate crashed when they were struck and killed on the side of the road.” 

She said 17 first responders have been killed that way this year.

The solution: don’t use your phone while driving. Don’t text and drive, and especially don’t post to social media or try to email people while driving, she said.

PHOTO: VR Craft/Getty Images