Distracted Driving isn't new; it's been a problem throughout the decades... from eating in the car to finding that perfect cassette or CD, and finally, the worst offender, cell phones. 80% of crashes involve driver inattention within 3 seconds of the crash (Virginia Tech).
Cell phone use is the most common distraction we see today. Texting or any other phone manipulation while driving increases your crash risk by 2300%. Think about it, the average text takes about five seconds to write and send. At 55 MPH, it's about the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Distracted driving causes senseless injuries and deaths on our roadways. Even if you have the best of intentions, it is hard to ignore distractions in and around your vehicle. See below for tips to stay safe and alert while driving.
Distracted Driving Prevention Tips
1. Put away your phone. Silence your phone and store it out of reach while driving to reduce the temptation to check it.
2. Plan your trip before you leave. Program your navigation system before hitting the road to get familiar with your journey and feel confident in your route. Turn up the volume to hear the audible directions without looking at the device.
3. Don’t fumble with your playlist. Select a radio station or playlist before driving to limit the need for music adjustments.
4. Buckle up and secure passengers. A seat belt is your best defense against a distracted driver. Ensure kids are properly situated in car seats (if needed) with seat belts fastened. Keep pets stationary in the back seat.
5. Avoid multitasking. Never complete additional tasks—such as eating or personal grooming—behind the wheel.
6. Be a good passenger. Do your best to help the driver and be an extra set of eyes on the road. Speak up and request your driver stop driving distracted. After all, your life is in their hands.
