How To Avoid Getting Distracted When Driving

How To Avoid Getting Distracted When Driving

Distracted driving is the leading cause of most vehicle accidents in many parts of the world. The accidents not only lead to damage of properties, but also loss of innocent lives that would otherwise have been prevented. The following smart tips are meant to guide you on how to avoid distractions while driving at all times:

1: Plan and Know Where You are Going Before Leaving
Planning your route and destination helps you greatly in avoiding unnecessary distractions and staying safe while you are on the road. For effective route planning, use road maps or reliable online web tools before embarking on your journey. If you forget your route, it is very advisable for you to pull over to the side of the road and reread your map to be sure instead of continuing in hope.

Even though GPS systems can help you in finding directions, they can also be bad distractors. If it is a must for you to use a GPS unit, make sure that you put it in a place where you won’t be forced to take your eyes or mind off the road.

2. Never Make Calls or Send Texts While Driving
Using your mobile phone to make calls, send texts, or reply to e-mails while driving is not only illegal, but also a very dangerous form of distraction. You can get into an intimate conversation and forget that you are on the road and subsequently veer off the road or hit another vehicle. Even hands-free phones do not minimise distraction as you will still concentrate the conversation at the expense of paying attention on the road. If it is a must for you to use your phone, it is best for you to pull over to the safe side of the road and finish your conversation before proceeding with your journey.

3. Avoid Driving While Drowsy or Tired
Drowsiness or tiredness increases the risk of an accident nearly five times. If you are feeling tired or sleepy, it would be safer for you to pull off the road and take enough rest instead of trying to drive faster to get to your destination. Driving faster while sleepy or tired will demand a lot of concentration and effort from you.

4. Put Your Makeup on Before or After Driving
Looking at yourself in the mirror while fixing your hair or applying makeup only invites distraction. It is better for you to apply your makeup or make your hair before leaving the house or plan to do so immediately you arrive at your destination and not while driving.

5. Avoid Drinking or Eating While Driving
Apart from putting food in your mouth, eating also involves removing the wrappers or dealing with food spills in the car. You might think that you are saving time by eating or drinking food inside your car but it is a bad way of getting distracted. To be safe, make sure you take your breakfast or take lunch at home or at a nearby café before you start driving or carry your food and drinks and enjoy yourself at the end of the journey.

6. Manage Your Music
Using headphones or listening to loud music while driving can divert your attention and make you forget that you are using the road with other drivers, which can easily lead to an accident. Consider setting up a playlist for all your favourite tracks so that you won’t have to scroll through the menus while on the road. Most importantly, keep the volume at a reasonable level and avoid using headphones or earphones so you can hear prospective danger.

7. Driving Lessons
Get quality driving lessons from Allied Driving Instructors.

This post on distracted driving has been provided by Nononsense Insurance, who don’t seem to exist any more.

 

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