With busy lives that never slow down, everyone has been tempted in some way by distracted driving. The important thing to recognize is that those distractions can oftentimes wait. A buzzing phone or tuning the radio constantly to find the right tune can be much more dangerous than they seem. Paying attention to the road and other drivers around you shouldn’t be secondary to any irrelevant distractions.
United Auto Insurance is committed to protecting you with the right car insurance coverage, but we also believe it’s important for you to stay as safe as possible behind the wheel. Here are some tips to help manage those distractions and drive safe:
Cell Phones – Texts and Calls Can Wait!
When you’re behind the wheel, communication with your friends and family should wait. Cell phones should only be used in emergency situations. In the event that you need to use your cell phone in an emergency, finding a rest stop or pulling over to a well-lit shoulder of the road is the best option. Long conversations on the phone may not seem too distracting, but anytime your attention is taken away from the road you could be at risk. Also, it’s important to remember that using your cell phone while driving is against the law in a growing number of places. Texting, calling or updating your social media on your phone should wait until you get to your destination.
Stop Eating on the Go
Everyone has busy lives and feel like multitasking is the best option, even when it comes to eating a meal. However, when you are eating while driving your hands aren’t completely free and your mind is focusing on too many things at once. Eat your meals when you aren’t on the go to stay alert on the road. This may mean scheduling breakfast before your commute in the morning, but it will make your drive all the less stressful and much safer.
Stay Alert and Take Breaks to Rest
Long road trips across country are a great bonding experience for friends and family. If you’re the driver on a long road trip, make sure that you are alert and not overtired. All too often drivers try to push the limit on how long they drive and try to make it that extra hour. If you are feeling tired, it’s always worth it to take a break and pull off the road.
Eliminate Distractions to Stay Safe on the Road!
An increasing number of studies reveal that the brain is limited in the amount of information that it can process at one time. Using a GPS system should be loaded before the trip begins. Also, any other features such as seats, mirrors or air conditioning should only be adjusted before the trip or during a rest stop. When driving a car, your focus should be on getting safely to your destination.
Passengers need to be mindful of your primary focus as well. Any overcrowded cars or rowdy passengers can only add to the danger of becoming a distracted driver. Make sure that any pets or children are secure before you begin your trip. The best type of passengers will be just as alert as you and respect your focus in getting the entire car across town safely.
Keeping yourself safe should be your number one priority. By following these tips, you’ll notice how much more aware and in control you feel behind the wheel. But, bad things can happen to good people. So, contact one of our United Auto Insurance team members today to get a free quote on your car insurance.