Tips to Reduce Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing epidemic among families. Talking, texting, and emailing are only a few of the culprits. There are three easy ways to reduce distracted driving in your life.

I have to admit it. Sometimes I am a distracted driver. Maybe I’m eating lunch in the car. Other times, I’m trying to answer a call, adjust the radio, or referee a back seat brawl. The easiest ways to reduce driver distraction all start with education.

What is Distracted Driving?

“Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone or smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.” –Distraction.gov

Why Distracted Driving is a Problem

There is a lot of attention given to distracted teen drivers. This is a big problem but moms are also at risk of being distracted.

Mom drivers are using their smartphones, navigating, keeping any eye on the road, while at the same time having to pay attention to the kids in the back seat.

Consider this scenario: If you want to tell your husband that you are stuck in traffic (and will be late) you will have to first push and hold the button to turn on voice recognition.

Once activated you would say send a text, then say the name (properly), then say the message you want to convey and make sure it is accurately converted to text before finally confirm that you are ready to send.

Solutions to Distracted Driving

1. Leave your phone in the back seat.
2. Use voice recognition technology.
3. Buy a device or app whose job is to reduce distractions.
4. Use a car service if you have a busy day.

Distracted Driving Laws

To view distracted driving laws in your state, visit Distracted.gov.

Check out these resources:

• The High Toll of Distracted Driving
• Worst States for Distracted Driving
  Winter Driving Dangers and How to Avoid Them
• DUI Prevention Resource
• A Guide for New Drivers and Their Parents
• For driving safety info go to JJS Justice.

What tips do you have to reduce distracted driving?

Original Images: Flickr via Creative Commons – Ryan Harvey, Kris Krug, Fort Rucker, Ben Brown