5 Ways to Reduce the Risks of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing concern and can lead to devastating consequences. In 2019 alone, distracted driving caused almost one million accidents in the US and resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, and such incidents are only increasing each year. This is due to a range of issues, but most commonly involves the use of mobile phones.

So, here are five ways that you can reduce your risk of becoming distracted behind the wheel.

How dangerous can it really be?

Driving is a complex task that requires your full attention, so when you’re distracted, you’re more likely to make mistakes and have an accident. However, as you can see in this ComparetheMarket.com.au data, even drivers who know distracted driving is dangerous are prone to distraction in multiple ways.

Not only can distracted driving be very dangerous for the health welfare of you and others on the road, it can also have dire consequences on your car insurance. You should always read the fine print of your insurance policy carefully to ensure you know what is and isn't covered.

So, what can you do to reduce distraction and your chances of causing an avoidable accident?

1. Refrain from eating behind the wheel

Eating while driving can be dangerous because the driver has to take their attention away from the road and focus on their food. Moreover, no matter how careful you believe yourself to be, there will always be times when food falls onto your lap or you spill a drink, and a knee-jerk reaction will occur. Therefore, you should abstain from eating and find time to stop when you're hungry. When it comes to drinking, you can dramatically reduce the chances of an incident by using a water bottle with a straw. Nonetheless, the best course of action is to refrain from any form of eating or drinking and instead take regular pit stops.

2. Put your phone away

The use of phones while driving has been a significant concern for the authorities and the public, as it’s one of the leading causes of road accidents. Using your phone while driving is hazardous, as it distracts you from concentrating on the road and can lead to severe accidents. Before you begin your journey, set up your music or podcast playlists to go so you don't have to fiddle about while moving. Furthermore, you should attach your phone to the dashboard if you need it as a navigation device.

Most modern smartphones using iOS or Android also have features that enable you to put them into driving mode. It provides larger buttons that are easier to press, allowing you to operate without removing your eyes from the road.

3. Keep your kids entertained so they don't distract you

Anyone with children can tell you it’s no easy task to keep them happy while remaining focused on the road, but you should still make every effort to keep them occupied throughout the trip. This could be letting them use a tablet to watch videos, play games, or put on their favorite music. Other options include:

Set expectations. If your kids are old enough, it might be a good idea to set expectations regarding the duration of the trip. This extends to letting them know things ike when you expect to stop for gas or stretch your legs.
Take plenty of breaks. You may have to schedule extra breaks if you have young children; one short stop every hour is a good idea.
Bring plenty of snacks. Children tend to lose focus faster than adults, and one surefire way to keep the moaning to a minimum is by providing plenty of snacks. However, you should avoid too many drinks and stick to healthy options to avoid the inevitable sugar crash.
Anticipate road sickness. Even if your children have traveled a lot, you should never assume they won't get sick on the road. Therefore, bringing plenty of plastic bags and tissues is a good idea!
Make it comfortable. Making the environment as comfortable as possible is a great way to reduce distractions caused by children. If you add lots of cushions and blankets, there is a high chance they will fall asleep for the duration of the journey.

4. If you’re tired, don't get behind the wheel

It has been well-documented that driving while fatigued can sometimes be just as dangerous as drunk driving, as you’re less likely to notice obstacles and other road users when weary. Additionally, you risk falling asleep behind the wheel, which can cause untold carnage, especially at high speeds. Luckily, there are some precautions you can take to reduce your chances of driving tires:

Take regular breaks. If you’re going on a long journey, you should set aside some time to take a break. This might be every hour or every time you reach a roadside service area.
Take a nap if you need to. If you find yourself becoming dangerously tired, you should pull over somewhere safe and take a short nap. A nap as short as twenty minutes is often enough to refresh yourself.
Avoid driving during the night. Although this might not be an option for some, when possible, you should refrain from driving late at night or very early in the morning. Because your circadian rhythm is unaccustomed to being awake during these hours, many people find it challenging to remain focused.

5. Beautify yourself before you leave the house

The final point is to ensure that you do your hair and makeup before getting into your vehicle. Both men and women are guilty of beautifying themselves while driving, but this can be equally dangerous as using your phone.

Traffic accidents caused by distracted driving are among the most common worldwide. However, if you take a few precautions before you set out, you can drastically reduce the likelihood of being involved in an accident, from a minor fender bender to a severe accident.