10 Safety Tips To Avoid Distracted Driving
Every trained driver understands that distracted driving is dangerous, but the problem is that everyone thinks they’re the exception. The reality is that most assume they can get away with a little multitasking now and again. But according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 3,308 people in 2022 alone.
The following are ten effective tips to help you reduce distractions and their dangers while driving:
1. Put Your Phone on Silent
The most effective way to avoid phone-related distractions is to make your device inaccessible. Put it on silent and store it in the glove compartment or backseat.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
Let family, friends, and colleagues know that you won’t respond to calls or messages while driving. Most communications can wait until you reach your destination. If you’re expecting an important call, enable automatic responses to let people know you’re driving. Most modern phones have built-in driving modes that can do that automatically.
3. Pre-Plan Your Route
Before a longer drive, take time to set up your GPS and study the route. Using navigation while driving can be dangerous, as it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Should you need to adjust your route, safely pull over first.
4. Ensure All Your Cargo Is Secured
Loose items are launched forward during sudden stops, creating distractions. Use your center console, glove compartment, or dedicated storage spaces to keep everything secure, especially items that tend to slide around, like water bottles or phones.
5. Maintain A Clean Car
A cluttered car creates unnecessary distractions and stress. Establish a regular cleaning routine to keep your driving environment organized. Remove unnecessary items that might catch your attention or require adjustment while driving.
6. Debrief Your Passengers Beforehand
Good passengers can be an excellent resource, seeing as they can help with navigation and spot hazards for you, but you need to set clear expectations about their behavior. If you’re a new driver, consider limiting passengers until you’ve gained more experience.
7. Know Your Vehicle
Learn to operate essential controls by touch alone. Practice using steering wheel buttons for audio and cruise control without looking, and position frequently used controls within easy reach before hitting the road.
8. Ensure You’re Rested Before Driving
Fatigue and insomnia are distractions that impair judgment, similar to alcohol. Get adequate sleep before long drives and take regular breaks every two hours or 100 miles.
Learn to recognize signs of drowsiness as well, such as heavy eyelids or difficulty maintaining lane position. These tips are especially important for long-haul truck drivers who often drive for hours on end.
9. Eat While Stopped
Eating requires taking at least one hand off the wheel and looking away to unwrap food or open a drink, which means it shifts mental focus to the meal and off the road. Plan your schedule to include proper meal breaks, especially on long trips.
10. Practice Focused Driving
Train yourself to focus solely on your driving. Notice when your mind wanders and gently bring your attention back to the road. Remember, every moment matters when you’re moving at high speeds and sharing the road with pedestrians and other drivers whose states of mind are unknown to you.
The Dangers Of Distracted Driving
A study by the AAA Foundation found that it takes an average of 27 seconds for a driver’s mind to refocus on driving after a distracting phone call or using voice commands, even with their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. At 55 mph, that’s nearly half a mile traveled while not fully focused.
Given the vehicle accident rates associated with distracted driving, the stakes are just too high. Therefore, paying full attention to the road is advisable for the safety of other passengers and drivers. There’s little that can’t wait when lives are on the line.
Contact the California Car Accident Lawyers at The Simon Law Group Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at The Simon Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in California, including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Ana, CA. We also have offices in Phoenix, AZ, and Austin, TX.
We proudly serve Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA, and its surrounding areas:
The Simon Law Group – Torrance, CA Office
2916 W 164th St Second Floor,
Torrance, CA 90504
(424) 622-0812
The Simon Law Group – Hermosa Beach, CA Office
34 Hermosa Ave,
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 722-3209
The Simon Law Group – Santa Ana, CA Office
1327 N Broadway,
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 581-8546
