According to the National Safety Council, 96 percent of people believe that texting or emailing on a cell phone is a threat to driving safely, and 87 percent believe that talking on the phone is a threat. Yet, 60 percent of the people still talk on the phone and 44 percent still respond to texts while driving. Did you know that talking on a cell phone while driving is more dangerous than talking to your passengers or listening to music?
As April (and Distracted Driving Awareness Month) comes to a close, The Prewitt Group wants to remind you that it doesn’t mean you can now go back to being distracted while driving. Our partners at Frankenmuth Insurance offer eight tips on how to avoid driving distracted so that you will arrive safely at your destination:
- Familiarize yourself with your car’s features: Learn everything you need to know about how your car operates so that you can access features without taking your eyes off the road.
- Know where you’re going: Before you place your car in drive make sure you have set your navigation system and it is voice activated.
- Pick a perfect playlist: Instead of fooling with tuning the radio while you are driving, why not set up the perfect playlist so that you are not distracted trying to find the right music for your journey?
- Place your cell phone in the center of your console: Drivers are six times more likely to get into an accident while talking on their cell phones. Place the phone where you are not tempted to dial while driving.
- Silence your notifications: When a phone is constantly notifying you, you will become distracted. Messages can wait until you arrive at your destination safely.
- Sip through a straw: Eating and drinking while driving can be very hazardous. Sometimes drinking during a road trip is necessary, but if you drink from a bottle, you have to tip your head back, which takes your eyes off of the road. Drinking through a straw will alleviate the head tip.
- Download an app to reduce distracted driving: Consider downloading an app that blocks calls, emails, texting and your camera while you are behind the wheel. Once you arrive safely at your destination, you can turn off the app until you’re on the road again.
- Sign a pledge to keep roadways safe: You can pledge to become a more attentive driver by signing the National Safety Council’s pledge to help make the roads safer for you and other drivers.
The Prewitt Group wants to help you protect yourself and the ones you love through safe driving habits. Having a good auto insurance policy is an important measure to keep you on track. Review your plan with one of our risk consultants by booking an appointment at this link.