With the ubiquity of smartphones and other tech devices, it seems that many people can’t go anywhere without using their phones. From supermarket lines to family dinners, the proliferation of smartphones is causing people to be distracted in their everyday lives. Unfortunately, this constantly-distracted mindset doesn’t stop when driving, where serious accidents are occurring every day thanks to mobile technology. Worst of all, accidents from distracted driving are totally avoidable. Here are five strategies to consider if you want to avoid distracted driving.
Handsfree
Image by Jess Watters from Pixabay
The first thing to consider is getting a handsfree device. These allow you to use voice controls to answer your phone and talk while driving without ever taking your hands off the wheel. Many newer cars even offer handsfree Bluetooth capabilities to make it even easier to keep your hands off your phone. If you need to be able to talk while driving, hands-free technology is a must. If your car doesn’t come with Bluetooth capabilities, you can always purchase Bluetooth headsets online. For teenagers, especially, Bluetooth technology is helping to make drivers safer.
In situations where you’re concerned that your phone could still be a distraction (even if you’re using a hands-free device), it may be best to turn your phone off or store it in the glovebox. Part of fighting against distracted driving is knowing yourself. If you think that your phone being on and in your car is going to be too tempting, keep it out of sight and out of reach.
Distracted driving isn’t just about phones. If you listen to music in your car, this could become a distraction too. Make sure that your radio volume is at a level where you can hear other cars’ horns or emergency vehicle sirens in case someone is trying to warn you about something on the road. It’s also best to avoid dancing uncontrollably in the car, even when your favorite song is on. Remember that when you’re behind the wheel, you need to stay focused.
Beaware of Surroundings
Speaking of staying focused, another form of distracted driving comes from having tunnel vision. Driving a car isn’t just about looking at what’s directly in front of your car. As you drive, you need to be aware of your surroundings. This includes checking your rear and side mirrors frequently to make sure that you’re not missing another car or vehicle that could put you in danger. Make sure that you also know where your car’s blind spots are and check them frequently, especially on the highway.
The final tip to avoid distracted driving is to know when you’re too emotional to be behind the wheel. If you’ve just been in a fight with a loved one or have received bad news, you might not be in the right emotional state to be driving. If you find that heightened emotions are interfering with your ability to stay focused on the road, pull over and take some deep breaths. This can help you avoid an unfortunate accident.
Of course, there are some times when other drivers may cause an accident that you’re involved with because of their own distractions. This is why it’s vital that you have a good car insurance policy. You can compare car insurance with iSelect to make sure that you’re getting the best deal on the right policy for you and your vehicle. Having a good car insurance policy at the right value can give you the peace of mind, you need to feel confident whenever you’re driving. The right policy, combined with safe driving practices, could be the difference between life and death. As a result, it’s important that you do your part to stay focused behind the wheel.
