In a recent year, distracted driving was responsible for more than 3,300 deaths across the United States. About 8% of all fatal crashes involved distracted drivers.
It can be difficult to avoid distractions behind the wheel. From your cell phone, radio, and navigation to passengers and pets in the car, there are seemingly endless things competing for your attention.
Distraction-free driving takes practice and commitment, but it pays off by reducing your risk of getting seriously hurt in a car accident. Here are ten easy safety tips to help you avoid distracted driving.
#1. Put Your Cell Phone Out of Reach While Driving If Possible
Your cell phone is one of the most dangerous distractions in your vehicle. Almost every state now bans texting while driving, and many states also prohibit hand-held phone use and cell phone use by new drivers.
Before you start driving, activate the “Do Not Disturb” feature or silence your phone’s notifications. If possible, put your phone out of reach so you are not tempted to check or respond to messages.
#2. Limit the Use of Hands-Free Devices to Avoid Vehicle Collisions
It isn’t always possible to drive without your cell phone within reach. You may use your phone to stream music or for navigation.
Many states, such as Texas and California, have laws that only allow hands-free cell phone use while driving, to avoid distracted driving car accidents. Even when it’s legal to use a hands-free device, it should only be done when necessary and as safely as possible. Make sure your device is set up to accomplish tasks with as little effort and distraction as possible.
Keep in mind that hands-free isn’t necessarily safer or less of a distraction than handheld use. More than two dozen studies have confirmed that hands-free devices are just as distracting to the brain as handheld devices.
#3. Adjust the Radio, GPS, Temperature, and Mirrors of your Vehicle Before Hitting the Road
Make sure your settings are correct and everything in the vehicle is adjusted properly before you start driving. Check your mirrors and adjust your seat if necessary, make sure the climate control settings are correct, set up navigation, and adjust the radio.
Getting in the habit of verifying settings and making adjustments before you drive means fewer distractions on the road.
#4. Rely on Other Passengers To Manage Calls and Settings If Needed to Avoid Being Part of a Car Crash
When you have a passenger in the car, have them handle tasks like changing the GPS navigation or responding to a text message. This is a safe and easy way to save you from trying to complete distracting tasks.
#5. Avoid Eating or Drinking Behind the Wheel
Drinking and eating may not seem like major distractions, but they can both be a form of distracted driving. Eating or drinking can take your attention off the road and may affect your ability to control the vehicle. Eating messy or complicated foods and items that require extra attention to open are particularly dangerous.
If you need a drink or snack while driving, plan ahead. Bring a drink in a container that’s easy to open and does not require unscrewing a lid. A simple snack like goldfish crackers in an easy-open container is safer than a snack in a wrapper that requires both hands to open.
#6. Plan Your Route Before Hitting the Road, Respect the Speed Limit to Avoid Auto Collisions
Before you start driving, enter your destination if you are using GPS. Take a few moments to plan and review your route to get an idea of the major roads or highways you will be taking. If you need to change your route once you’re on the road, either wait until you can pull over safely or have a passenger take care of it.
#7. Remember You Are Setting an Example For Your Children, Drive Carefully
If you are a parent, it may help to remind yourself that avoiding distractions means you are setting a good example for your children. You can model safe driving behavior by showing your kids what attentive driving looks like.
#8. Familiarize Yourself With an Unfamiliar Vehicle Before Getting on the Road
When you rent a car or drive a friend’s vehicle, take the time to familiarize yourself with the controls and settings before you hit the road. The last thing you want to deal with if it starts to rain is trying to figure out how to turn on the windshield wipers or defrost settings to defog the windshield.
Taking just a few moments to orient yourself may save your life if something unexpected happens.
#9. Do Not Give in To Rubbernecking
Sometimes, people view rubbernecking as a harmless behavior. However, it causes traffic congestion, and it can divert your attention from the road and cause a crash. Do not give in to the instinct to slow down and look at an accident scene.
Rather than giving in to your morbid curiosity, simply ask a passenger what happened after passing the scene. Remind yourself that looking only contributes to the long traffic jam you probably just got through.
#10. Make Sure Pets Are Secured Before Driving, They Can Get Hurt In Case of a Car Crash
Pets in the car can be distracting, especially if they are nervous and need comfort while driving. Never drive with a cat or dog on your lap, as this can easily lead to a serious accident that injures you both.
Pets should not be unsecured in the front seat, either. It becomes too easy for an excited or scared pup to dive down by your feet and prevent you from braking or interfere with your ability to steer and change gears.
Cats and dogs are safest in the back seat or cargo area, ideally with a crash-tested crate, carrier, or safety harness.
Avoid Distracted Driving To Prevent Auto Accidents
Avoiding distracted driving and keeping your attention on the road can be challenging at first, but practicing good habits gets easier every time you get behind the wheel. You will be making yourself, your family, and other motorists safer by reducing the risk of causing a serious collision.
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