Distracted drivers can be found in all ages and experience levels. Even if you are not one today, you could become one at any moment — it happens in the time it takes you to answer your cell phone or check the kids in the back seat.
If you or someone else you know thinks you can drive just fine while talking on your phone, think about this: more than 450,000 people were injured in crashes that reportedly involved distracted driving in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. More than 5,000 of those people died.
Distractions on the road come in many forms, according to www.distraction.gov, a U.S. Department of Transportation website. There are three main kinds of distractions:
- Visual
(Taking your eyes off the road) - Manual
(Taking your hands off the wheel) - Cognitive
(Taking your mind off your driving)
To help you avoid all three kinds of distractions the next time you are behind the wheel of your car here are a few tips:
- Put your phone in silent mode and store it away from the front seat or in a purse or bag. This helps reduce temptation.
- To prevent distracted driving, have a passenger answer your phone or return text messages for you.
- If a call or a text can’t wait, pull over in a safe spot before using your phone.
- This one seems obvious, but finish shaving or applying makeup before you get in the car!
- If you are emotional, wait until you have calmed down before hitting the road.
- Avoid road rage. You will be happier and safer.
- Whenever you are on the road, it is not a time to multi-task. Focus on driving safely.
Content provided by Safeco Insurance
