Distracted driving continues to plague the roads, with a staggering 81% of drivers reportedly reading and typing text messages while driving, according to AT&T’s It Can Wait campaign. And it doesn’t stop there; 70% of drivers are using social media while driving, while 50% rely heavily on their smartphones for navigation. Let’s all pledge to focus on the road and prevent accidents from happening!
To minimize distractions and keep our roads safe, what can we do? We can start by switching off our phones when we’re on the road, or even better, keep our devices out of reach altogether. We owe it to ourselves and our fellow road users to stay focused and drive responsibly.
1) Use your phone’s built-in tools: To minimize distractions while driving, switch your phone to Do Not Disturb mode. It’s important to resist the urge to answer calls, even those that are hands-free, to keep your focus on the road. Additionally, presetting your navigation and any other preferred settings before starting your drive can help reduce the need to take your eyes off of the road. Remember, safe driving should always be your top priority.
2) Don’t cut corners: It’s advisable to refrain from texting or using your phone while driving, especially during stop-and-go traffic or at red lights. Engaging in such activities increases the risk of accidents and not only endangers your life but also those of others around you. By staying alert and focused on the road, you can ensure not only your safety but also that of other drivers.
3) If it’s an emergency, pull over: Remember, nothing is more important than the safety of you and your passengers. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so even if you’re running late or on an urgent call, it’s never worth compromising the well-being of those in your vehicle. Take the necessary precautions and prioritize safety above all else.
4) Recruit a navigator: If you’re driving with a passenger, consider letting them take over navigation, climate control, and audio selection tasks so you can keep your focus on the road. Not only does it free you up to drive more safely, but it also allows your passenger to feel more involved and helpful during the ride. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to connect and bond with your co-pilot!
5) Hands on the wheel: It’s important to resist the temptation of attending to personal grooming or indulging in food or drink while driving, both for the safety of yourself and those on the road. Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents and being focused behind the wheel can make all the difference.
6) Leave pets at home: If you plan to travel with your furry friend by car, it’s crucial to ensure their safety by avoiding letting them roam around freely inside the vehicle. This can cause distractions, endangering both the pet and the driver, and potentially lead to accidents. Use a pet carrier or a seat harness to keep your pet safely restrained and secure during the journey, making it a comfortable and stress-free experience for everyone!
7) Utilize technology when it makes sense: Telematics programs have revolutionized the auto insurance industry by detecting poor driving habits, including using cell phones while driving, and promoting safer driving practices while incentivizing good driving. By leveraging the power of technology, telematics programs collect data on driving behaviors such as speed, braking, and acceleration. These insights enable insurance providers to offer savings to policyholders who demonstrate safe driving practices, while at the same time encouraging individuals to make conscious decisions while driving and reducing the risks associated with distracted driving.
To sum up, staying focused and avoiding distracted driving is critical for drivers. Use phone tools to minimize distractions or a navigator, and pull over for emergencies. our hands on the wheel, cutting no corners, and driving responsibly can ensure road safety for all. Incorporate technology thoughtfully to make roads safer and treat responsible driving as a lifestyle.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.
This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.