Here are 10 tips from experts about how to combat distracted driving.
Hang up and drive:
According to AARP, the best way to combat distracted driving is to simply put down the phone and drive. Leave all phone calls for when you are at a place where you can safely park your car.
Wear your Seatbelt:
The first thing anyone should do when they sit down in to a car is to put on your seatbelt. Even if you do every thing in your power to keep yourself from getting distracted, you can not prevent other people from driving distracted and harming you.
Know your technology:
This multitasking technology is about convenience, not safety. According to the National Safety Council, cell phones are not the only distraction drivers are facing on the roads today.
Designated Texter:
Select a friend to be your designated texter while you’re behind the wheel. According to the organization Digital Responsibility, Designated Drivers have helped decrease the amount of drinking and driving cases. The same concept can help with distracted driving.
There are three types of distractions:
According to the website DMV.org there are three types of distraction while driving: Manual, Visual, and Cognitive.
Skip the Drive-through:
According to an article in Consumer Reports it is important to skip the drive through. Eating while driving can be just as distracting as texting and driving.
Attend to the kids before getting behind the wheel:
Children can distract you from the road. Whenever your children are having a tantrum on the road it is important to first pull to the side of the road before dealing with any childs needs.
Put up makeup on at home:
Applying makeup while behind the wheel is as distracting as anything someone can do while driving. Taking the proper amount of time to apply makeup before getting behind the wheel is essential to preventing distracted driving.
Talk to your teens about distractions:
Teens today have grown up with cell phone usage as a part of their existence. Talking to them about the need to put down the phone while driving is important.
Just talking can be a distraction:
It is normal to talk with a friend or family member when behind the wheel, but limiting the amount of attention you put on the conversation is important to limit distracted driving.
