Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWire) -- 05/02/2019 --Each April we are reminded by Distracted Driving month just how bad it can be with people texting and driving. This is a great initiative however, Charitable Minded Philly Car Guy Gary Barbera wants to remind drivers that this is a 12-month awareness and keeping our streets safe is a number one focus! Gary Barbera cares that the people of Philadelphia drive safe all year-round. He has been committed to driving safety by partnering with Pennsylvania State Representative Jared Solomon to end texting and driving.

Philadelphia has a high traffic crash rate, and every year in Philadelphia, our residents are subject to approximately 10,000 traffic crashes. These crashes take the lives of around 100 people each year in Philadelphia, and severely injuring 250 more. Vision Zero has a Three-Year Action Plan that is a result of the collaboration of various governmental agencies, as well as community and advocacy groups.

Turn Your Phone On "Do Not Disturb"
When your phone lights up with a notification, it's hard not to look at your screen. Texts, Instagram notifications, Snapchats and emails are constantly popping up on our phones. Make sure your phone is on do not disturb when you are driving. The "Do Not Disturb" setting on your phone allows you to focus on driving.

Set Up Text Auto-Reply
Depending on the type of phone that you have, there are apps that you can download. Chances are, the texts that you are getting are not that urgent. These apps will send an automated message to whoever sends a text to you while you are driving.

A Friend Can Help
There's no real reason to text and drive when you're in the car with your friends, but if you need to text someone just have your friend do it for you. This alleviates your stress and helps to keep you, your friends and other people on the road safe.

Turn It Off!
Turning off your phone might not be the most appealing option for people, but it is the safest option. This option allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes focused on the road in front of you.

Gary Barbera Cares that these tips will encourage people to stay off their phones while on the road! He is committed to ending texting and driving. Visit our website to learn more about how Gary Barbera is keeping the Boulevard safe for the people of Philadelphia.

For more information about the "Don't Text & Drive" initiative and other ongoing efforts on Roosevelt Boulevard go to www.GaryBarberaCares.org.