ETOWAH COUNTY — As part of National Safety Month, the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging motorists to focus on safe driving habits and reminding the public that many traffic fatalities can be prevented.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Officials say three of the most significant contributing factors in fatal crashes are speeding, distracted driving and failure to wear seatbelts.

The Sheriff’s Office noted that speed is a factor in approximately one out of every three traffic fatalities nationwide. Higher speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of crashes when they occur.

Distracted driving also continues to be a major concern. Officials emphasized that texting while driving is illegal in Alabama and warned that at 55 miles per hour, reading a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for the equivalent length of a football field.

The Sheriff’s Office also stressed the importance of seatbelt use. Alabama law requires all front-seat occupants to wear a seatbelt. According to safety statistics cited by the agency, seatbelts reduce the risk of death in a crash by 45 percent.

The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office encouraged drivers and passengers to make safety a priority each time they travel, noting that simple actions such as obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions and buckling up can save lives.

National Safety Month is observed each June to promote awareness and education aimed at preventing injuries and fatalities both on and off the road.