Technology is king in today’s society and cell phones are capable of more than ever before. From browsing the internet to video chatting with friends, there are many different ways you can use your mobile devices. Unfortunately, this also means an increase in distracted driving.
Distracted driving is incredibly dangerous but it can be tempting. You may notice notifications popping up on your phone while driving and it might be hard to resist a quick check. But even a moment away from the road can cause a serious accident.
There are many ways you can avoid the temptation to drive distractedly. Here are a few tips to help you stay focused on the road:
Be proactive
Taking initiative can help you prevent distracted driving. Program your GPS and send that last message to your friend before you shift out of park.
If you are driving with a passenger, you may want to designate them to check and respond to messages while you are driving.
There are also ways you can preprogram your phone to send an automatic response while you are driving so your friends and family do not think you are ignoring them while driving.
Remove the distraction
If you find yourself severely tempted to check your phone while you drive you may want to take away the distraction entirely. You can temporarily turn your notifications off and/or put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode.
If you still feel tempted, you can consider putting your phone somewhere you cannot reach it, like in the back seat or glove compartment of your car.
The state of Missouri has strict rules against people using their phones while driving. It is best not to touch your phone at all while driving so you do not put yourself or others in danger on the road.
