5 Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving

This is a guest post in partnership with Aceable.

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 Distracted driving is a major and deadly problem worldwide. It often boils down to drivers prioritizing unimportant tasks over safety. When safety becomes a secondary concern, accidents happen. These accidents are avoidable. Here are five super easy tips to help you and anyone you share with to prioritize safe driving as number one. 

Tip #1: Separate your attention from your phone

Vehicle crashes are the number one killer of teens. The main root of this cause is cell phones. But it’s not just teens that use their phone behind the wheel. Set your messages and notifications to drive mode so they won’t interrupt. You can do this within the phone or by using an app like Drive Safely.

You can also physically remove the phone from yourself. Put it in a backpack, purse, or face down out of reach. Whatever works to keep you safe.

Tip #2: Get ready at home

It’s hard enough getting makeup to look symmetrical but imagine doing it in the left lane at 75mph. Not smart. Stupid, in fact.

Be ready before turning the key, so you and other drivers can arrive in one piece.

Tip #3: Be mindful of your passengers

Whether it’s friends, family, or a backseat full of kiddos, passengers can be distracting. Do your best to anticipate the kid’s needs while on the road and be ready to pull over in a safe place if a situation unfolds. Messes, disagreements, and dropped toys are annoying, and we like to fix things right away. But the truth is, it’s usually not the end of the world to wait an extra 30 seconds.

Some drivers may find it distracting to hold a conversation or jam out to music. The best thing to do is adjust your driving habits to make you confident and safe. Your passengers will understand. 

Tip #4: Know your route

Knowing where you’re going is a great way to stay focused on the road. Messing with your navigation system while moving isn’t a good idea. And if you’re on one of your well-beaten paths, you’ll know when to be on high alert for that one weird intersection or blind corner coming up.

Tip #5: Just pull over

Sometimes you do get an urgent call or text. It’s not hard to pull into a parking lot or gas station to use your phone. It also drastically reduces your risk of crashing.

Hopefully you already do all or most of these things. If so, great! There are plenty of other preventative tips for distracted driving out there. Remember, there’s no such thing as a driver that’s “too safe”.

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