The Safe Driver

Tips to stop distracted driving

We’ve heard a lot about distracted driving over the years. Now, when I say a lot, I mean a LOT. Instead of complaining about it, perhaps we need to bring up solutions a little more often. After all, it really comes down to us as individuals to make the changes if we want to improve road safety, right? So, with that in mind, here are a few thoughts and ideas to consider.

The first step to reduce distracted driving is that you have to want to make the change. Change won’t happen if you won’t let it happen. It’s not just about receiving a distracted driving violation within your jurisdiction; it’s about ensuring you stay focused on the driving environment each time you’re behind the wheel. This helps to reduce collisions and injury and even death on the roads. In most jurisdictions, a distracted driving change will come from holding or using an electronic device while driving. Other forms of distracted driving may fall under the careless driving charge, depending on what it is.

Let’s start with your phone. Some useful tips would include either turning off your ringer or turning the phone off completely. Without knowing you have a message, you may not check your phone, or at least not as often. Putting your phone out of reach is also a good idea and if you have a Bluetooth device on your car, turn the Bluetooth off from your phone. This will stop you from getting calls and text messages through your vehicle while you’re driving. It’s also a good idea to let your friends and family know you’re driving and not to constantly send you messages. Let them know you’ll contact them once you arrive at your destination.

Other forms of distracted driving include passengers. Set up rules for them so they can avoid distracting you while you’re driving. They should be your navigator if you need one and also should be the communicator via text and calls so you can focus on the driving environment. Remind them to avoid showing you their screen on their phone as that can also be regarded as distracted driving in many jurisdictions. And even if it’s not illegal, it really is distracting and can take your attention away from driving very easily.

Food and drink also lead to distracted driving. The moment you spill something on you, your eye immediately look down to find out where you spilled. If you’re really hungry, pull over for a few minutes to have a good snack. If you need a drink of water, find a water container with a straw so your eyes are still looking ahead as you sip. Leaning your head back to take a swig can remove your eyes off the driving environment just long enough to miss something important.

We see this often but people will often bring their pets with them in the vehicle. I know they are part of the family, but a loose pet cause a distraction very easily, especially if you get in your way of operating the vehicle. Keep the pets in a safety harness so they can enjoy the drive but also remain safe at the same time.

Distractions take your eyes and mind away from the driving environment for 5 to 10 seconds at a time. Would you feel safe if you closed your eyes for 5 to 10 seconds while your vehicle was in motion? Then removing the driver distractions is a good start to remain focused on the task of driving. It’s really up to you to do some self-governing. Do you have it in you? Your passengers hope you do.

**Have a quick listen to this short episode of the “Speed Bumps” podcast as distracted driving is discussed further!**