How To Reduce Distracted Driving Beyond Putting Down the Phone
Other everyday habits (not only smartphone use) cause distracted driving. Passengers and surroundings can cause distractions you may not notice until they happen. Prepare your vehicle before driving to minimize distractions. Put down the GPS and the…burger while driving? Yes, even eating food is something you shouldn’t do on the road.
How Eating Delays Reaction Time
Looking down to grab food or clean up a spill means taking away focus on the road.
Eat meals before or after driving. If you cannot wait, pull over into a safe lot to consume your meal. Place remaining food in a hot/cold bag to keep it fresh before putting it in your home fridge. Secure drinks in cup holders for fewer chances of spills.
A NHTSA study revealed 48% of people eat while driving. Eating activities delay the reaction time needed to evade road hazards. Keep focused to brake on time for other vehicles and pedestrians.
Managing GPS and In-Car Technology
Navigation tools are valuable for a successful drive. However, interacting with them while driving diverts focus. Use voice controls to alter your route, if needed. Pull over to manually fix the itinerary such as adding extra stops or changing the overall route.
Modern vehicles have hands-free features for fewer distractions. Motorists can achieve better focus by taking advantage of them.
How To Handle Distractions With Passengers, Kids, And Pets
Chatty front-seat passengers and little children distract from safe driving. Set clear expectations before the trip. Designate bathroom and meal times so they know what to expect.
Have toys and activities in a hanging pouch for them to reach independently. Equip cup holders in their car seats for easy drink access.
Pets moving freely can distract a motorist’s focus on the road. Invest in a specialized canine seat belt or a cage to keep your furry friend safe.
Build Positive Driving Habits
Prepare your vehicle for a distraction-free driving experience. Sticking to consistent pre-driving habits enforces alertness and focus for healthy defensive driving.
The Pre-Driving Checklist
Adjust mirrors so you can see out of all of them. Motorists should be aware of everything happening around them in a 360-degree radius.
Fix seat positions to ensure passengers’ comfort. Altering these settings while in motion can skew driving accuracy.
Set the GPS to your destination, if necessary. Choose the scenic or highway route. Ensure you pick the route with or without tolls to reduce unexpected surprises. Toll money should be set aside for easy access to hand over at the booth.
Silence your phone. Some apps offer do-not-disturb driving features to deter you from checking your smartphone while in motion.
Secure Loose Items
Secure bags in your front seat with a belt. Falling items can distract you while driving If they start falling over, a person’s initial reaction is to try to catch them. Place bags securely in your trunk if you have enough room.
Store your phone in the center console on silent. These positive habits help you to focus less on it as you are driving.
Limit Multi-Tasking At Red Lights
Many drivers believe you can do tasks while at the red light. Eating or sending a text even while stopped is still distracted driving.
It’s equally important to separate entertainment activities from driving. Online casino games like NetBet are leisure activities that should be reserved for enjoyment off the road. Attempting to change your bet size while playing online slots at a red light will cause hazardous distractions. Play casino games when stopped in a safe area during your journey to give your driving your undivided attention.
