7 Ways to Avoid Distracted Driving

You are busy, right? Multitasking is a way to get more done quickly and is considered a great skill in most cases—but not while driving. Distracted driving is a major issue on American roadways. In 2021, more than 3,500 people were killed and over 360,000 people were injured in crashes involving distracted driving. 

We’ve all seen drivers on their cell phones—maybe you’ve seen drivers eating a snack or even brushing their teeth! While these people may think they’re just multitasking, they’re putting themselves and others in danger. Distracted driving can include anything from eating or drinking while driving to texting, using your GPS, checking an app on your phone, or using the touchscreen controls on your car. 

Here are seven easy ways you can avoid distracted driving:

1. Prepare yourself before you drive
Review directions ahead of time and preprogram your route in the GPS. Finish grooming, eating, and drinking before leaving. Allow plenty of travel time.

2. Prepare your vehicle before you drive
Keep the vehicle tidy and store any loose items. Preset the climate and radio controls before driving.

3. Prepare and secure passengers
Arrange items children need before driving by having snacks, books, and toys within reach of your children. Be sure to secure children and pets properly.

4. Ignore messages
Allow all phone messages to go to voicemail. Do not respond to text messages or emails. To avoid temptation, you may want to power down before driving or use an app that prevents your phone from opening certain apps while you are driving.

5. Focus on driving
Always keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes and mind on the road. Actively scan the road and check your mirrors.

6. Enlist help
If you have passengers, ask for their help, so you can focus on driving. Passengers can help you get something out of your purse or bag, find directions, keep children and pets entertained, and more.

7. Take breaks
If another activity demands your attention or if you are drowsy, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place to take a break.

Distracted driving is against the law in many jurisdictions and causes accidents that result in severe injuries and death. As an auto insurance company, Acuity wants to share the facts and help prevent distracted driving. With an estimated 1 in 4 car accidents involving cell phones, don’t be fooled by the idea that “it won’t happen to me.”