distracted driving

Watch it! That’s what we might say when we’ve had a close call – and we all have. And the near miss may have been because the other driver was doing another activity that took their attention from driving. That’s called distracted driving, and it is driving impaired because you:

• React a little slower or harder
• Don’t see what’s around you as quickly
• Vary your speed and swerve in and out of your lane
• Can’t the distance between cars
• Lose track of both vehicles and people on the road

And that’s how accidents happen within seconds.

Did you know that when you’re distracted, you actually impact three aspects of your being?

• Your vision – when you take your eyes off the road for even a second
• Your physical control – when you take your hands off the wheel
• Your concentration – being focused on something other than driving, not concentrating on what’s around you

Here are six very practical things to stop distracted driving today.

1. Limit phone use while you're driving.
2. Get a phone app that silences calls and texts while your car is in motion.
3. Avoid multitasking while driving.
4. Keep conversation light when talking to passengers.
5. Pull over and park in a safe spot before adjusting controls in your car, eating, sending a text or talking on your cellphone.
6. Use safety apps if you own a fleet to help predict and prevent accidents caused by distracted driving.