Distracted driving is one of the biggest problems on the roads in Illinois and elsewhere. Sadly, too many underestimate the dangers of distractions behind the wheel, leading to car accidents resulting in injuries and death. Here are some tips on preventing distracted driving.
Don’t drive while fatigued
When you are fatigued, it’s easier for your mind to drift off your driving and the road. Even if you don’t fall asleep behind the wheel, you can begin to daydream and lose all focus and control. This is a prime situation for a serious car accident. Avoid driving if you’re tired.
Use your phone only for emergencies
Although most drivers use their cell phones in certain capacities on the road, it’s one of the easiest ways to engage in distracted driving. Put your smartphone on Do Not Disturb mode to avoid the temptation of checking it for messages or calls. Using phone only for emergencies and when you’ve pulled over and stopped driving can reduce the risk of accidents.
Avoid eating
You might get hungry, especially on long road trips, but eating behind the wheel is dangerous. You can become distracted and concentrate more on your meal than on traffic and pedestrians. If you’re driving for hours and get hungry, stop to eat.
Plug in your directions beforehand
If you’re unsure about your destination, don’t fiddle with your GPS while already on the road. That could lead to disaster as you quickly get distracted. Plug in the address before your trip so you’re prepared and can avoid a potential accident.
Taking precautions before you hit the road can help you avoid distracted driving and getting into a collision.