In today’s very connected world, it’s very easy to get absorbed in whatever is going on with your phone. That means you’re paying less attention to what’s going on around you…including driving. Today, we’d like to share some tips to avoid distracted driving in order to make the roads safer for you and those around you.
Check out these tips to avoid distracted driving!
What Is Distracted Driving?
According to Distraction.gov, distracted driving is defined as, “any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.” These activities can include texting, emailing, talking on the phone (even via hands-free), using navigation, changing the radio, and even talking to other passengers. Essentially, if your attention is on something other than your driving activities, whatever is diverting your attention qualifies as distracted driving.
Distracted Driving Statistics
- In a 2011 study, 69% of drivers between the ages of 18 and 64 surveyed told the CDC they had talked on their cell phone within 30 days of answering the survey questionnaire. (https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/)
- In 2014, motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers killed 3,179 people and injured 431,000. (https://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html)
- Ten percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the crashes. (https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812132)
What You Can Do To Prevent Distracted Driving
- Take care of things before you begin driving. This includes setting a preferred radio channel, established a GPS route, and making any phone calls.
- Keep your phone out of reach. You are more likely to avoid answering a call or message if you can’t reach or see your phone.
- If you must have the phone handy, use the hands free mode. Many vehicles come equipped with Bluetooth connections. You can also look into Bluetooth-enabled headphones.
- Avoid eating while driving. Though it’s important to make good time while on road trips, taking 5-10 minutes to eat outside of the car will not make a significant difference to your trip.
- Take frequent breaks, particularly on long journeys. If you find yourself getting tired, you’re more likely to grab your phone as a break to the monotony.
DriveMode
As an employer, you should establish a written policy regarding the use of cell phones while driving. Require that all of your employees are aware of the consequences for not complying with it. Additionally, many cell phone companies, such as AT&T have capabilities such as DriveMode. Once enabled, this app senses motion. If the driver travels at more than 25 mph, the app sends a notification to all incoming texts that the user is driving. Other apps completely disable calling and texting capabilities while driving. This is especially important if an employer or a parent provides the phone to someone else.
Contact Us!
Misty Borland Phiffer and her team encourage you to take all the proper precautions to ensure that your driving is focused. If you have questions regarding any distracted driving incidents, please fill out one of our convenient contact forms or call us today.