Distracted Driving
Although most distractions are avoidable, some distractions are impossible to completely prevent; instead, they must be managed. Driving requires your full attention. In the last few decades, cell phone use has become a major distraction that causes accidents.
You can take charge of eliminating distractions by focusing on the road ahead. Below are ten tips the AAA gives to avoid distractions while driving:
- Fully focus on driving. Do not let anything divert your attention, actively scan the road, use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Store loose gear, possessions, and other distractions that could roll around in the car, so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.
- Make adjustments before your get underway. Adjust vehicle systems like your GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls, and sound systems before hitting the road. Decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.
- Finish dressing and personal grooming at home – before you get on the road.
- If possible, eat meals or snacks before or after your trip, not while driving. On the road, avoid messy foods that can be difficult to manage.
- Secure children and pets before getting underway. If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them. Reaching into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
- Put aside your electronic distractions. Don’t use cell phones while driving – hand-held or hands-free – except in absolute emergencies. Never use text messaging, email functions, video games, or the internet with a wireless device, including those built into the vehicle while driving.
- If you have passengers, enlist their help so you can focus safely on driving.
- If another activity demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place. To avoid temptation, power down or stow devices before heading out.
- As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it’s a distraction. Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.
