Do you find yourself unable to concentrate while driving?
Accidents can happen anytime, even when you drive carefully. The chances increase when you get distracted. Dealing with phone calls, children, or drowsiness can push your attention off the road.
You need to learn how to prevent distracted driving. The good news is we’ve got a list right here for you.
Read on to learn how to limit distractions while driving.
1. Have a Checklist
Did you get everything sorted out? Are you sure you’re not forgetting something? Before getting out of the house, take the time to check your checklist.
Make sure to lock the house before leaving and other things you need to check and turn off.
If you need to check yourself out in the mirror, do it while you’re still at home. The mirror in the car can be a little too small. Using it while driving can also be a distraction.
Having a checklist can be a way to get some things out of your mind. Now you can concentrate on driving safely.
2. Check Your Car’s Condition
While still in the car, there are some things you need to do before moving. Look if you still have enough fuel and ensure the GPS is working right. Remember to have your destination and route planned out.
If you worry about the condition of your car, address it quickly. Those concerns will remain in your thoughts and will distract you while on the road.
You can even put on some music while preparing to drive. Decide on the playlist ahead of time so you don’t have to select or skip songs while driving. Be careful that it’s not too loud to a point you wouldn’t notice or hear when someone tries to signal you.
To avoid driving in a hurry, leave earlier than usual. Being early will give you the time and leisure to take your time driving on the road. You won’t stress about being late either.
3. Don’t Drink Alcohol If You’re Driving
It has been quite some time since the government has declared DUI laws. Even after all that, drunk driving is still one of the leading causes of road accidents.
One of the things you can do is to assign a designated driver. If you are going with a group, someone should volunteer for the night. Not only can you be sure that you’ll be able to go home but there’s someone sober that can stop you from doing something stupid.
4. Keep Your Children and Pets in Check
Make sure the children have their seat belts buckled up and pets won’t jump over the window while the car is moving. If you have a baby on board, invest in a baby car seat. That way, you can ensure that your baby will be safe in the backseat.
Don’t forget to have them go to the bathroom before the drive. Get them toys, phones, and books to get them busy in the back. With enough activities, they won’t be able to distract you.
5. Talk to Everyone Beforehand
Talk to people who might call you. Let them know that if you’re not answering calls and texts, you might be too busy driving to answer them at the moment. Don’t worry because most people will understand you can’t talk and drive.
You should have a conversation with your family and friends about preventing distracted driving. Explain to them how important it is to keep your eyes on the road. Talk to your employer if you must so they won’t call while you’re on the road.
6. Stow Your Electronic Gadgets
People are so accustomed to having phones in their hands all the time. Because we’re in the modern era, any emails, texts, and calls go to our smartphone. Nevertheless, do not attempt to look at it while on the road.
Did you know that Georgia law prohibits text-based communications while driving? That still doesn’t stop people from sending a text and calling someone while driving. Because of that reason, accidents could still happen sooner or later.
Remember that the driver is responsible for the physical well-being of their passengers.
7. Sleep Is for the Bed
The car ride can be tiring and boring. This is especially true when you’ve been driving all day. But if your head is nodding along to the bumps of the car, you’re a driving hazard to yourself.
If you’re not in the best condition to drive, ask someone else to take the wheel. What if they don’t have a license? Use public transportation if you must or stop at a safe area and take a short nap.
8. Eat-N-Drive
It may seem like a good idea at the time to eat while traveling but it’s not. It is not recommended because it requires some hand-eye coordination and so does driving. You could eat before and after, but not while moving.
Food and drinks can spill on your lap and make a mess all over your car. Cleaning a car is not exactly the easiest thing in the world. The shock of a spill could also distract you and cause an accident.
9. Don’t Reach for Falling Objects
When an object falls over, it is almost instinct to reach out for it and put it back on. Resist the temptation to do so as this still serves as a distraction. To avoid this from happening, take out the things that aren’t glued or tied up.
Store the other objects in your glove compartment. You cannot avoid the road being bumpy but you can make sure things are not falling all over the place.
10. Pull the Car Over
Want to take a break? Find the nearest rest stop and recover your strength. You can eat, drink and sleep however you want, only not at the expense of your physical well-being.
If you want to check up on something, pull your car over on the side of the road. That way, you don’t have to multitask while driving. You won’t have to worry about bumping into anyone and getting in an accident.
Follow These 10 Tips on How to Prevent Distracted Driving
These are the top 10 tips on driving safety. Learning how to prevent distracted driving can be hard but it’s doable! Limit your distractions so you can keep your eyes on the road.
If you think this guide is useful, don’t hesitate to give some of our other posts a shot! We have a lot more tips and guides that cover all your auto and motor needs. From proper car maintenance to vehicle overviews, we have all the content you need!