A distraction is anything that takes your attention away from driving.
Distracted driving can cause crashes, resulting in injury, death, or property damage.
Taking your eyes off the road or hands off the steering wheel presents obvious driving risks.
Mental activities that take your mind away from driving are just as dangerous.
When driving:
• Texting, reading texts, and social networking is prohibited by law.
• Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers.
• Avoid eating while driving.
• Be sure children are properly and safely buckled up.
• Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel.
Avoid using any type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. You must pay attention to the driving task. You are responsible for operating your vehicle in a safe manner.
Put Your Phone Away: One of the biggest sources of distraction is mobile phones. To avoid temptation, switch your phone to silent mode or activate a "Do Not Disturb" feature while driving. If you need to use your phone for navigation or other purposes, set it up before you start driving or pull over to a safe location.
Limit Passengers: Having passengers in the car can lead to distractions, especially if they engage in conversations or activities that take your attention away from the road. Limit the number of passengers whenever possible, particularly if you're a new or inexperienced driver.
Avoid Eating and Drinking: Eating or drinking while driving can divert your attention from the road and decrease your reaction time. Finish your meal or snack before getting behind the wheel, or pull over to a safe location if you need to eat or drink.
Prevent Grooming: Activities like applying makeup, shaving, or adjusting your hair while driving can take your eyes off the road and increase the risk of accidents. Make sure to complete grooming tasks before you start driving, or wait until you've reached your destination.
Secure Loose Items: Objects rolling around in your car can be a distraction. Secure loose items such as bags, groceries, or electronic devices to prevent them from moving around while you're driving.
Use Hands-Free Devices Wisely: While hands-free devices may be less distracting than holding a phone, they can still divert your attention from driving. Limit conversations to essential topics and avoid emotionally charged discussions while driving.
Plan Ahead: Before you start your journey, plan your route and adjust your vehicle's settings (e.g., GPS, air conditioning) to minimize the need for adjustments while driving. Familiarize yourself with the route and traffic conditions to reduce the likelihood of distractions.
Take Regular Breaks: Long periods of driving can lead to fatigue, which can increase the likelihood of distractions. Take regular breaks to rest, stretch, and refocus your attention, especially during long trips.
Stay Focused: Keep your focus on the road at all times, scanning for potential hazards and anticipating changes in traffic patterns. Avoid getting distracted by external stimuli such as billboards, roadside attractions, or accidents on the side of the road.
Practice Mindfulness: Be mindful of your thoughts and emotions while driving. If you find yourself becoming distracted or losing focus, take a moment to refocus your attention on the task at hand – driving safely.
