Tragically, about 3,000 people die every year from distracted driving. While many people think of cell phones when they hear this statistic, less than 15% of all distracted driving accidents are caused by texting and driving.
Eating, adjusting mirrors, and even putting on makeup while driving are common causes of these preventable collisions. In order to protect yourself and your family during your annual summer road trip this year, follow these 13 steps to avoid distracted driving.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle
It’s recommended that you take your car in for a full tune-up before taking it out on a long road trip. This can include an oil change, tire rotation, or a multipoint inspection. If you are going out in the summer, make sure your vehicle’s cooling system is functioning properly, and keep in mind that some car problems will be more common during hotter months.
2. Plan Your Route
Plan your route ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the roads and traffic patterns along the way. Look for rest stops or restaurants that you can use as landmarks on your route if you become tired or your family needs a break.
3. Buckle Up
Make sure you and your entire family are properly buckled up before pulling away. If you have younger children, make sure that they are correctly secured in their car seats or boosters. For older children, remind them of the importance of seatbelt safety and discourage them from taking their seatbelts off to lie down or move around the car.
4. Adjust Your Mirrors and Seat
Before you leave, make sure your mirrors and seat are in a comfortable position. This can help you maintain good posture and visibility and prevent the need to make adjustments while driving.
5. Put Away Electronic Devices
Of the thousands of accidents caused by distracted driving, nearly 12% of those are caused by cell phone usage. Texting, talking, checking emails, or scrolling social media can easily pull your eyes off the road and lead to an accident. Put away cell phones, tablets, or any other distracting devices before you drive away.
6. Set Your GPS Before Driving
If you are one of the many people that rely on your cell phone for navigation, it can be hard to put your phone away on long drives. Consider purchasing a phone mount to avoid looking down at your map while driving, and set your destination before you begin your trip. Keep the volume turned up to avoid having to constantly look over at your device.
7. Avoid Eating or Drinking
Eating and drinking are some of the most common culprits behind distracted driving. If you decide to pull into a gas station or drive-thru for a quick bite on the road, try to finish your food in the parking lot before driving off. This may add a few more minutes to your trip, but it is well worth it to avoid getting distracted by a messy sandwich or spilled drink while driving.
8. Take Breaks
We know that driving while distracted is dangerous, but did you know that driving while drowsy is just as bad? If you are beginning to feel cramped or are struggling to keep your eyes open, safely pull over to take a break. Stretch your legs, get some shut-eye, or switch with another driver to keep everyone in the car safe.
9. Secure Loose Objects
Make sure any loose objects are securely stored or put away before driving. This might include luggage, electronic devices, children’s toys, or anything that could come into your field of view or roll under your feet.
10. Do Not Groom or Put on Makeup
While it may be tempting to touch up your makeup or fix your hair before arriving at your destination, trying to groom yourself while driving is a surefire way to cause an accident. Safely park your car before checking the mirror.
11. Keep the Radio at a Safe Noise Level
While it can be tempting to blast the radio when your favorite song comes on, singing or listening to the music too loudly while driving can be dangerous. Keep the music level to a minimum to ensure that you can hear your surroundings, including horns or emergency sirens.
12. Avoid Engaging in Emotionally Charged Conversations
If you’ve ever been on a road trip with family, you may know that it isn’t always smooth sailing. Whether your kids are arguing in the back seat, your spouse neglected to tell you to make a turn, or another driver just cut you off, remain calm and avoid getting into arguments that could lead to an accident.
Unfortunately, some accidents are unavoidable. When this is the case, knowing the information of a good car accident lawyer can provide you with peace of mind while behind the wheel.
13. Keep Your Eyes on the Road and Hands on the Wheel
There’s a high chance that you’ll encounter several distractions during a long road trip. While it can be tempting to admire the scenery of a new state or take your hands off the wheel to open the bottle of soda you just bought at the rest stop, it’s important that you never take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.
Long drives can be intimidating, but as long as you follow these tips to avoid distractions and take breaks when necessary, you and your family should arrive at your destination without harm.
Safe travels!
