For the past decade, distracted driving has taken U.S. roadways by storm, endangering not only distracted drivers, but also their passengers, those in other vehicles and pedestrians.

Talking on or manipulating your phone, adjusting the radio, applying makeup, eating or drinking can all distract you from the essential task of safe driving. Far too many drivers succumb to the deadly—and often illegal—temptation that has emerged as one of the most common forms of distracted driving—texting. 

Put Your Phone Away, or Get Ready to Pay.

Forty-seven states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Gaum, and the Virgin Islands, have passed laws making it illegal to text while driving.

This April, as a key part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s U Drive. U Text. U Pay. campaign, law enforcement will be hypervigilant, looking for distracted drivers and charging fines. Since 2007, drivers age 16-24 have been distracted by devices at higher rates than other drivers. Since 2012, female drivers are the most at-risk for fatal crashes involving distracted drivers, but we’re all at risk, and you can make a difference. Consider these tips for safe driving:

• If you must send or receive a text, pull over to a safe location and park your car first.

• If you have passengers, appoint a “designated texter” to handle all your texting.

• If you can’t resist the temptation to look at it, resolve to keep your phone in the trunk.