The National Safety Council recognizes April as Distracted Driver Awareness Month. Today’s mobile phones bring the world to our fingertips. We are able to make calls, text friends, check our email and update our social media. Unfortunately doing any of these things while driving increases the risk of an accident. We’d like to take this opportunity to share some helpful tips to ensure your safety when out on the road.
• Put your cell phone away. Keep it in a place where you won’t be tempted to check it each time it lights up with a new notification. If you need to answer an important phone call we recommend pulling over to a safe place and resume driving when you are finished.
• Secure loose items inside the car. Bags falling over, cell phone or sunglasses slipping down onto the floor, drinks spilling…we’ve all had this happen. It’s best to make sure these types of items are put away securely so as not to divert your attention when driving.
• Stay alert. Avoid driving if you are extremely tired. Keep yourself hydrated to maintain mental clarity and prevent drowsiness.
• Refrain from eating on the road. Set aside time so you’re not trying to drive and eat at the same time. If you purchase food from a drive-thru restaurant, keep the bag closed until you reach your destination. Reaching for fries could divert your eyes for a split second and decrease your reaction time.
• Give yourself enough time at home to properly get ready before you leave. Rushing to your destination while applying cosmetics and looking into your review mirror is extremely unsafe.
This month, pledge to “Just Drive.” Visit the National Safety Council to take the pledge to avoid distracted driving. We hope to see you driving safely out on the road. https://www.nsc.org/forms/distracteddriving_pledge.aspx
