Tips To Avoid Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of car accidents, injuries, and death. To better protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers, you must resist the temptation of driving while distracted, even if your distraction will only last for a second. Here are a few tips you should follow.
Put Away the Phone
The most prominent distraction drivers face is the phone. From calling to texting, you should never be on the phone if you are the one driving. Instead, pull over or have a passenger handle the communications for you. Instead, only use your phone for emergency reasons.
Mute Notifications on Your Phone
While you may keep your phone in your pocket or purse, knowing that someone has messaged you is a temptation you don’t want. When you drive, you should mute all notifications on your phone. Turning on the Driving Focus mode or the Google Assistant driving mode can automatically mute all notifications while alerting those trying to contact you that you are driving.
Do Not Multi-Task
It doesn’t matter how good at multitasking you believe you are – trying to do anything other than focusing on the road is incredibly dangerous. Avoid eating, searching for a playlist, looking at your calendar, putting on make-up, or any other activity that will take your attention away from the road.
Limit the Conversations and Activity Occurring in the Vehicle
Not only does driving require your visual attention, but it also requires your audible attention as well. While it may seem like a good idea to chat with your friends in the car, it’s easy to give them a little too much attention. Instead, keep the conversations at a minimum and have your passengers be respectful of your driving by limiting their activities as well.
Pull Over if You Are Drowsy
Drowsy driving is just as bad as distracted driving. Your attention isn’t up to par and your reactions will likely be delayed. If you feel tired, pull over and get some rest. If you have another passenger in the vehicle that can drive, consider swapping so you can sleep and they can continue driving for you.
Ready to be a safer driver? Explore the NB Motors blog for more tips on how you can protect yourself and others while behind the wheel.
