In a split second, a driver’s attention can shift from the road to a text message, a conversation, or a navigation system. This action, which might seem insignificant at this time, can have devastating consequences. To put into perspective, consider that daily, approximately 8 lives are lost and over a thousand injured due to distracted driving incidents in the U.S. alone. Considering these findings, it is crucial to take steps to prevent distracted driving.
Distracted driving is doing any other activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. This includes texting, playing with the radio and eating which can all increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.
Here, we offer practical tips to help keep everyone safe on the road and provide information on how to ensure you have the best insurance coverage to protect your teen drivers.
3 Types of Distracted Driving
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road.
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel.
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving.
Tips to Prevent Distracted Driving
Whenever you get behind the wheel, keep these preventive measures in mind:
- Put away your phone: Silence your phone and place it in a location that is out of reach while driving to lower your temptation to check it.
- Secure passengers: Ensure all children are properly situated with seatbelts fastened.
- Avoid multitasking: refrain from completing additional tasks such as eating or personal grooming behind the wheel.
- Stay focused: Concentrate your mind on the road by keeping distracting conversations to a minimum and looking straight ahead.
- Think ahead: Plan your trip before you leave.
- Use navigation: Program your navigation system prior to hitting the road to get familiar with your journey and feel confident in your route.
- Do not toy with your playlist: Elect a radio station or plug in a predetermined playlist before driving to limit the need for music adjustments.
- Ensure you are mentally prepared: An individual under emotional distress may not have the ability to focus and react quickly.
Take Action!
We can all play a part in the fight to save lives by ending distracted driving.
New Drivers
Teens, speak up if you see a friend driving while distracted. Encourage your friends to sign a pledge to never drive distracted and share these messages on social media to spread the word. Let’s remind everyone to avoid making the deadly choice of driving while distracted.
Employers
The workplace can have a great influence too. Employers should create a policy on distracted driving to commit to safe driving practices.
Safe Driving Kit: NSC has created a free Safe Driving Kit. It has all the materials you need to build leadership support for a cell phone policy and tools to communicate with employees.
Parents
Lead by example by never driving distracted, as well as communicating with your young drivers all the responsibilities that come with driving. The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16–19-year-olds than any other age group. If you have a new driver in your family, it is important to share these preventive measures with them and make sure they are covered.
Put the Phone Away
- One cannot adequately divide their attention between the road and talking on the phone. If you must talk on the phone, use a hand-free device.
- Even more dangerous than talking on the phone is texting. Texting while driving is comparable to drunk driving in terms of decreased reaction time and impairment.
- As a passenger, use your voice and speak out when you notice a driver distracted.
You should always refrain from texting, checking social media, or using your phone in any way while driving. If necessary, silence or turn off your phone.
Make the commitment to drive phone-free today.
The Law
Your state legislature and governor make the laws regarding distracted driving. Many states now have laws against texting, talking on a cell phone, and other distractions while driving. You can visit the Governors Highway Safety Association to learn about the laws in your state.
Make Sure Your Teen is Covered
Let us help provide you with the best coverage at a price you can afford. We work with you to understand your unique situation and customize an insurance program. Contact Acentria today.
Click here for Tips to Keep Auto Insurance Costs Down when adding a teen driver.
