Distracted driving is one of the most pressing issues on the roads today. The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use alone is responsible for 1.6 million car crashes per year, and distracted driving causes more than 3,000 fatalities annually in the US alone. Here are the best ways to reduce distracted driving and keep the roads safe for everyone.
- Put Your Cell Phone Away
The most common distraction while driving is the use of cell phones. When you’re behind the wheel, put your phone on silent and out of sight. Alternatively, you can use the “do not disturb” mode on your smartphone so that only essential calls come through. If you must use your phone, pull over to the side of the road and use hand-free devices.
- Limit Other Distractions
While smartphones are a significant source of distraction, other things, like eating, drinking, or applying makeup, can derail your focus on the road. Eating a meal or applying makeup requires taking both hands off the wheel, which can lead to an accident. To avoid accidents, remove all distractions before starting your car.
- Avoid Multitasking
Multitasking while driving is a recipe for disaster. For example, texting while driving not only takes your eyes off the road for several seconds but also limits your reaction times. Similarly, scrolling through your phone while driving may seem like a harmless distraction, but even a momentary distraction can lead to life-changing accidents.
- Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
Your phone’s GPS technology may be an incredible invention, but it can also be a distraction while driving. If you need to use GPS to navigate to an unfamiliar location, type in the directions and start the trip before hitting the road. This will ensure that you are not looking at your phone while driving and all your focus is on the road ahead.
- Use Passive Communication
Lastly, communicating with your passengers or anyone else without using your phone is a great way to reduce distracted driving. For example, you can assign the navigator role to one of the passengers, and they can give you directions during the trip. Not only does it help drivers stay safe behind the wheel, but it also makes long drives more enjoyable.
Reducing distracted driving is crucial to keep ourselves and others on the road safe. By putting away phones, avoiding multitasking, limiting other distractions, planning your route ahead of time, and using passive communication, you can significantly reduce your chances of causing an accident. Let us all pledge to drive safe, responsibly and make the roads a safer place for everyone.
