We recently published a car insurance post on top driving safety tips, but in this post, we want to focus on some top tips to avoid distractions while driving. Keep these in mind whenever you plan to go; stay focused and safe!
Get Comfortable & Prepared Early
The first tip that CARFAX gives regarding distracted driving is to ensure you’re ready to go before you start driving. This means ensuring your seat is adjusted so you can reach the pedals properly and all your mirrors are positioned appropriately. Remember, you want to see the road, not the side of your vehicle. Get comfortable, as we want to avoid moving and adjusting things as much as possible once we’ve already started driving.
Put Your Phone Away
These days, when we hear “distracted driving,” it usually refers to texting and driving or being distracted by our cellphones. That’s because being distracted by phones is one of the leading causes of auto accidents. If you’re convicted of this driving offense, your premiums might jump wildly when it’s time to renew your car or truck insurance. Avoid your phone as much as possible while driving, and putting your phone away wholly is strongly suggested.
Plan Your Route Before Leaving
Know the route to your destination before hitting the road, especially if you’re going somewhere you’ve never been. Doing so will help you avoid confusion while driving. If needed, use a map app to help with directions, but this should be the only reason you use your phone. It should be set before you leave so you don’t have to touch it while driving.
Secure Passengers, Pets, and Belongings
Make sure everyone and everything in your vehicle is adequately secured. This means ensuring you and any passengers wear seatbelts and are safe (especially children). This includes any pets or belongings. Don’t let your pets climb up on you while you’re driving, and ensure your belongings are secure, so nothing is moving around too much while on the road.
Avoid Grooming While Driving
Just like we don’t want to text and drive, we also don’t want to groom and go. Whether you need to put make-up on, brush your teeth, comb your hair, fix your tie, shave (electric, of course), or anything like that — do these things before or after you drive.
Ensure Proper Energy Levels
Don’t drive if you’re feeling sleepy. Driving while tired is also a common cause of car crashes. Don’t underestimate the risks of driving while fatigued or with low energy levels. Avoid going if you’re tired, or find a safe resting spot.
Keep Music or Radio Volumes Reasonable
Putting on some tunes or anything else to listen to while driving is fine, but always ensure reasonable volume levels. You’ll want to be able to hear any honks or sirens, and you’ll want to ensure you can think properly and stay focused on the road.
Eat Before or After Driving
Many people eat or drink while driving, and although it’s not illegal to do so (like being on your cell is), it’s also recommended to minimize distracted driving. Spilled drinks or food can quickly become a distraction while driving, so having your meal before or after you go is strongly recommended.
Always Stay Calm & Focused, No Mater What
Road rage is absolute; it can be easy to get frustrated while on the road when there’s a lot of traffic and others driving recklessly. But, no matter what happens while you’re going, always do your best to stay as calm and focused as possible.
Limit Passengers & Activity Levels
Like a loud radio can distract you while driving, so can noisy passengers and high activity levels. To minimize this risk, never have more passengers in your vehicle than it’s designed for, and limit the number of passengers even further if you feel it’s best. You’ll also want to determine the activity level in your car from your passengers and yourself. Your main goal is to stay focused on driving at all times.
Wear Proper Shoes
This is one tip many people don’t think about, but it can be a lifesaver. Wearing proper shoes is very important when ensuring you’re safe while driving. Sandals, high heels, steel-toe boots, and other shoe-wear can become quite a distraction while driving if, for whatever reason, you’re unable to maneuver your vehicle’s pedals properly or your footwear comes off. This can become a big distraction and a serious safety hazard if you cannot control your car correctly.
Eyes On The Road
The last tip is logical, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to get distracted by things and people outside while driving. A big sign, a cute dog, or a nearby car crash can be distracting. Do your best to keep your eyes and focus on the road at all times, no matter what.
Ensure Proper Car Insurance
Not having proper car insurance on the vehicle you’re driving can also become a distraction if it’s in the back of your mind, so always ensure your insurance is up to date before going on the road. If you’re looking for ways to save on insurance, give our auto team a call today. We can help provide you with free and quick quotes to compare to ensure you have the best plan available. Contact us today!
