Distracted driving is a serious problem that can have disastrous consequences. Learn the top tips toprevent distracted drivingand make the roads safer with this post by Synthetic Oil Inc. in San Diego.
Distracted driving is a dangerous behavior that can lead to serious accidents and injuries. Fortunately, there are several steps that drivers can take toprevent distracted drivingand keep themselves and others safe on the road.
One way to prevent accidents on the road is to care for your vehicle effectively. Call Synthetic Oil Inc. in San Diego at (800) 653-0323 or visit AMSOIL's online store to order the best products for its maintenance.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving
Put Your Phone Away
One of the most common forms of distracted driving is using a mobile phone while behind the wheel. This includes texting, calling, and checking social media or email. To prevent distracted driving, it's important to put your phone away while driving. One way to do this is to turn your phone off or put it on airplane mode while driving. Another option is to put your phone in a place where you can't reach it, such as the glove compartment or back seat. Some drivers may find it helpful to use a phone holder that attaches to the dashboard or windshield and keeps the phone in a visible but hands-free location. If you absolutely must use your phone while driving, pull over to a safe location and park the car first.
Secure Loose Items
Loose items in the car, such as cell phones, sunglasses, and water bottles, can become dangerous distractions if they slide around while driving. To prevent this, secure loose items before starting the car. This can be done by placing them in the glove compartment, center console, or other secure storage areas.
Avoid Eating and Drinking While Driving
Eating and drinking while driving can also be a distraction. To prevent this, eat and drink before getting in the car, or wait until you reach your destination. If you must eat or drink while driving, choose items that are easy to handle and won't spill, and make sure to keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Use Voice-Activated Systems
Many newer vehicles come equipped with voice-activated systems that allow drivers to control certain functions, such as music and navigation, without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road. If your car has this feature, use it to prevent distracted driving.
Limit the Number of Passengers
Having too many passengers in the car can also pull your attention away from the road. To prevent this, limit the number of passengers in your car, especially if you're a new driver. If you do have passengers, make sure they're not distracting you while you're driving.
Get Enough Rest
Fatigue can impair your driving abilities and increase your risk of distracted driving. To prevent this, make sure you get enough rest before driving, especially if you're planning a long trip. If you start to feel drowsy while driving, pull over to a safe location and take a break.
Plan Your Route in Advance
Trying to navigate while driving can be a major distraction. To prevent this, plan your route in advance and make sure you know where you're going before you start driving. If you need to adjust your route while driving, pull over to a safe location and make the necessary changes.
Stay Focused on the Road
While driving, it's important to stay focused on the road at all times. The conditions on the road can change from one second to the next, so don't look away to change the radio station or turn the AC on. If you're feeling distracted, take a deep breath and refocus your attention on the road.
Lead by Example
If you're a parent, teacher, or mentor, be sure to lead by example and teach young drivers the proper way to behave behind the wheel. This means avoiding distracted driving yourself and letting them know about the dangers of distracted driving.
Install Distracted Driving Prevention Apps
Finally, there are several apps available for smartphones that can help prevent distracted driving. These apps can block incoming calls and messages while driving, and some can even send an automated response to let people know you're driving and can't respond.
Don't forget to maintain your vehicle perfectly if you want smoother and safer drives. Call Synthetic Oil Inc. in San Diego at (800) 653-0323 or visit AMSOIL's online store to place an order on the best products to keep your vehicle performing as expected.