Distractions are everywhere. According to NHTSA, over 3,300 people died in 2022 due to distracted driving. With so many distractions around, it can be difficult to keep your focus solely on the road. Here are ten tips to help you minimize distractions behind the wheel.
1. Put your phone away.
If you rely on your phone for navigation or music, consider using Do Not Disturb mode or enabling a "driving" setting that silences notifications. Otherwise, keep your phone out of reach and out of your line of sight. It’s super distracting and dangerous to use a phone while driving.
2. Plan your route before you start.
Last-minute changes to your route can lead to distractions. Make sure you input your destination into your GPS before you even start the car. If you’re unsure about the route, take a few minutes to check directions or look for any traffic issues ahead of time. Also, using a voice-activated navigation system to avoid having to look at your phone or GPS screen while driving is super helpful!
3. Limit conversations with passengers.
While chatting with passengers can be enjoyable, engaging in deep or emotional conversations can take your focus away from the road. Keep conversations light. If a discussion gets too intense, it’s okay to ask the passenger to pause or redirect the conversation so you can focus on driving safely.
4. Avoid eating or drinking while driving.
Eating and drinking behind the wheel is a major distraction. It takes your hands off the wheel and your attention off the road. To minimize distractions, take a break to eat or drink before getting on the road, or pull over to a safe spot if you need a snack. If you do need to eat while driving, make sure it’s something easy and not messy!
5. Set up music before you go.
Adjusting the stereo or flipping through playlists while driving can take your focus off the road. Avoid this distraction by selecting your music or podcast before you start driving.
6. Don’t drive drowsy.
Fatigue is a major distraction that often gets ignored. When you’re tired, your reaction times are slower and it’s harder to focus on the driving task. If you’re feeling drowsy, it’s best to pull over in a safe spot and take a break.
7. Secure loose items and pets.
Loose items and pets in your vehicle can be a significant source of distraction. Whether it’s a water bottle rolling around or a pet moving about the car, these distractions can take your attention away from the road. Always secure items in the glove compartment, trunk, or under seats. If you’re traveling with pets, make sure they’re properly secured in a pet carrier or with a pet seat belt harness to prevent them from moving around and distracting you.
8. Take advantage of your vehicle’s safety features.
Many modern vehicles come equipped with safety features that help reduce distractions. Technologies like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection can help you stay focused on driving by providing alerts and assisting with vehicle control. Take time to familiarize yourself with these features and use them to your advantage, but don’t expect them to take over driving for you. It’s still your job to stay alert.
9. Keep your vehicle clean and organized.
When your car is messy or disorganized, it can distract you from focusing on the road. Make it a habit to keep your vehicle tidy and regularly clean the interior. Not only will it help reduce distractions, but it’ll also make for a more enjoyable driving experience for yourself and your passengers.
10. Stay mindful of external distractions.
It’s not just what’s inside your car that can distract you--external distractions can also take your attention away from the road. Billboards, collisions, pedestrians, or even other drivers can be tempting to look at, but doing so increases the risk of a collision. Stay focused on the road ahead and avoid letting outside distractions affect your driving.
Distractions behind the wheel are a serious threat to your safety and the safety of others on the road. But with a few simple steps, you can significantly reduce distractions and become a more focused, responsible driver. By putting your phone away, planning your route ahead of time, and staying mindful of your surroundings, you can create a safer driving experience for everyone.
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