We often get distracted when driving and it’s not just cell phone use either. From rough house passengers to snacking on fast food, distraction happen and they are dangerous. Distractions are often the catalyst to many accidents. Here are our tips to avoid the most common driving distractions.
Have Loud Passengers? Pull Over And Talk It Out
As the driver you have 1 main responsibility: getting your passengers to their destination safely. And your passengers have 2 responsibilities: not to be a distraction and help you navigate to your destination if needed. How often have you seen this scenario play out? Kids mess around in the backseat and the driver says “I’ve had enough! Stop it or I’ll turn this car around!”, while keeping the car between the white dashes on the road!
Passengers feel somewhat liberated from the responsibilities of focusing on the road. Telling your passengers to stop what they are doing will not be enough. Pull your car over, put it in park, and let the passengers know that distractions could cause you to crash which would ultimately impact their safety as well. Put some responsibility into their hands.
This will give your passengers something to think about before rough housing in the back of your car next time.
Got Food? Eat or Unwrap Before Driving
Eating while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. Not only is it a great way to stain your car interior, but it’s one of the easiest ways to get in an accident. And many of us still drive and eat everyday. Not in a rush? Then take 5 minutes to enjoy your meal in the restaurant. Or if possibly, wait till you arrive at your destination to eat. A bite of a burger is not worth an avoidable car accident.
Keep the Beauty Touchups For the Bathroom
A woman putting on makeup or a man shaving his face while driving is a sight to see! Sure you woke up late and rushed out the door to work, but how clean of a shave will you get when cruising 55 MPH on a busy highway? Whatever you do, driving is not the time to get ready for the day. Our only suggestion here is that you need to wait until you are parked and deal with the ramifications of being late to your destination. It’s better to be late than injured in an accident.
Set Your Navigation Before You Drive
Fumbling with your phone in order to type or speak in the address to your destination while driving is a serious distraction. By the time your phone pulls up the directions, you may have already missed a turn and while have to reroute or make a U turn. We recommend to type in your destination well before you get in your car. Why? Because your maps app will account for traffic and if you need to be at your destination in 20 minutes, but the app says it will take 22 minutes, you can leave earlier than expected. Being well prepared for your travels will get you to your destination safely and on time.
The Most Common Distraction Can Be Avoided
The most common and costly distraction is talking on the cell phone. Use a headset or simply don’t talk on your phone while driving. If you get caught, it can cost you hundreds of dollars in court fees! Luckily, we can help you erase that ticket. Here’s more info on our cell phone violation services.
Stay safe!