Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

Driving is an important part of daily life, but it can be dangerous if the driver is not careful. Those who do not pay attention to the road may increase their risk of getting into an accident, and some of the most easily avoidable problems may become a more pressing concern for those who are not attentive. If you are going to be driving for extended periods of time, it can be a good idea to stay mindful of some of the following tips in order to better avoid distractions and reduce risks on the road.

While you are out and about, one of the most important tips to remember is to only use your cell phone for emergency purposes. If you absolutely need to take out your phone, be sure to pull over safely in order to make a call or answer a pressing text. Even using a hands-free device may be distracting, as there could be visual or audio cues from the road you may miss.

If you feel as though you are getting drowsy as you drive, it is highly recommended to pull away from the road and focus on finding a motel or other place to stay for the night. Studies show that driving while drowsy can be enough to increase the risk of a collision by as much as four times.

Try not to drive with too many passengers as well. When you drive with more people, you increase the level of activity in the car, which can be enough to distract you from important cues on the road. Driving with a full car can foster a dangerous environment, so be sure to limit distractions while on the road in order to minimize risks.

Eating while driving is another way to create an unnecessarily dangerous situation. No matter how busy you may have been during the day, it is not an excuse to encourage distracted driving, which can put your life at risk. Food spilling is a large cause of distraction inside the vehicle, and having your hands full decreases your reaction time in an emergency.

Avoid multitasking as well. It can be easy to distract yourself by changing the music in the car or adjusting any other variety of things while you drive. No matter how tempting it may be, avoid such distractions and use your judgment while driving to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.