Avoiding Distractions While Driving Could Save Your Life

You’ve seen them on the roads; you might even know a few of them.

And, you could be one yourself.

Distracted drivers come in all shapes, sizes, ages and experience levels. Even if you were not one today, you could become one at any moment.  In the time that it takes you to answer your cell phone or check the kids in the back seat, you have become a distracted driver.

If you think that you can drive safely while talking on your phone or doing something else, think about this.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015, more than 390,000 people were injured in crashes that involved distracted driving.  And, more than 3,400 of those people died.

According to distraction.gov, a U.S. Department of Transportation website, there are many forms of driving distractions.  However, the three main types of distraction are:

1. Visual – taking your eyes off the road
2. Manual –taking your hands off the wheel
3. Cognitive – taking your mind off what you’re doing

To help you avoid these and other types of distractions the next time you’re behind the wheel of your car, here are a few tips:

• Put your phone in silent mode and store it away from the front seat or in a purse or bag. This helps reduce temptation.
• Have a passenger answer your phone or return text messages for you.
• If a call or a text can’t wait, pull over in a safe spot before using your phone.
• This one seems obvious – finish shaving or applying makeup before you get in the car!
• If you’re emotional, wait until you’ve calmed down before hitting the road.
• Avoid road rage. You’ll be happier and safer.

Whenever you’re on the road, it’s not a time to multi-task. Focus on driving safely.

Even if you are the safest driver, accidents can happen.  To find out if you have the right insurance coverage or if you are paying too much for car insurance, call RMC Group today for a quote at 239-298-8210 or email us at [email protected].