Be honest with yourself.
It's easy for most of us to overestimate how much we can accomplish in a given time. If you're prone to taking bites out of your sandwich while changing lanes, the first step toward becoming a more focused driver is, to be honest with yourself about your tendencies. Maybe you don't just check your phone while stopping at red lights—maybe you also use it while driving. Maybe you watch videos on YouTube or take selfies as part of Snapchat's Face Swap function. No matter what behavior keeps you from being present on the road, it's important to examine yourself critically and without judgment.
You may find that even once you've become aware of your distractions, bad habits are difficult to break. That's where technology comes in handy: try setting up an automatic reminder that prompts you to check your rear-view mirror before turning around every time. There are plenty of apps available online (just pop #distractionfree into Google) that do exactly this; all it takes is downloading one and setting parameters for how often the app should ping your phone or device!
Use the hands-free or voice control features on your phone.
Use the hands-free or voice control features on your phone. Regardless of which device you are using, most phones have a way to operate them without manually touching the screen or keyboard. In order to avoid taking your eyes off the road while driving, use these features in conjunction with voice commands instead.
Avoid earpiece use while driving. If you’re going to be on a call while driving, do not use an earpiece as it may cause you to be distracted by movements in your peripheral vision and make it difficult for you to hear things such as sirens and other warning sounds.
Limit phone use when driving is not necessary.
Do not text, use your phone or engage in any other distracted driving activities when you are not driving. Many people incorrectly assume that it is only dangerous to use a cell phone while they are behind the wheel. In fact, using a cell phone while stopped at a red light or waiting for a bus can also be dangerous.
Get into the mindset of being focused on your driving task before you get into your car and begin to drive. If you are not completely focused on the road ahead of you, then you should not be driving.
Avoid using your phone once you have started to drive, even if something urgent comes up and it seems like an emergency situation. If possible, find somebody else to help out with the emergency situation while you focus on getting yourself home safely.
Set a reminder to check your rearview mirror before you turn around.
Setting a reminder to check your rearview mirror before you turn around will help keep you from getting into an accident. Remember to check your mirror before looking behind you, since it can be difficult to remember to look when turning and it’s easy to get distracted.
Take a break when it's appropriate.
Take a break when necessary. If you are experiencing any level of stress or anxiety, it is best to stop driving and take a break. This can be as simple as closing your eyes for a minute and taking several deep breaths. It will help calm you down and help you focus on the task at hand—driving!
If you need to use the restroom, pull into a gas station or rest area and take care of business before you get back on the road. This applies to both hunger and thirst as well! Having to “go” while driving is dangerous because it takes your mind off of driving. Your brain should be 100% focused on what's in front of you, not what's behind you!
Putting your phone down when driving isn't necessary.
Putting your phone down when driving isn't necessary. If you don't need to use your phone while you're in the car, put it away. Don't take it out to check it at a traffic light, don't flip through your Instagram feed because you're waiting for someone, and don't even answer a text message that's not urgent. Essentially, don't use your phone in any way when you're behind the wheel unless you need to do so for safety reasons—and even then, make sure what you're doing is really necessary!
Avoid distractions behind the wheel, such as games, movies, and work-related emails.
It’s important to avoid distractions behind the wheel, such as games, movies, and work-related emails. Busy drivers sometimes feel that it is important to stay on top of things even when they are driving. It might seem like a good idea to text or return an email while in traffic but this can be dangerous. If you must check your email, wait until you get somewhere safe and pull over.
Always keep your eyes on the road while driving!
Be aware that every time you answer an incoming call or text message while driving, you're changing lanes and leaving yourself a smaller margin of error in case something unexpected happens.
In a car, every time you answer an incoming call or text message, you're changing lanes and leaving yourself a smaller margin of error in case something unexpected happens. You may not realize it at the moment, but your actions are affecting other drivers on the road, as well as passengers in your vehicle. When you take your eyes off the road for even a few seconds, you increase the risk of being involved in an accident. If something unexpected does happen and makes it necessary for you to react quickly, having less time to react can be extremely dangerous and put all parties at risk.
Distracted driving can happen to anyone, so follow these basic tips to make sure nothing happens to you for being distracted behind the wheel
Everyone knows that distracted driving is dangerous, and it can happen to anyone. Follow these basic tips to make sure nothing happens to you from being distracted behind the wheel:
Don't text while driving.
Limit eating, drinking, and smoking in the car.
Don't put on makeup or comb your hair while driving.
No adjusting music or programming navigation systems. If using a GPS, enter your destination before starting the car. In general, do not fiddle with any of your radio or climate controls while driving.
Do not drive if you are tired or sick. Be sure to get enough sleep before a long trip, and listen to your body's symptoms if you're ill and thinking about getting behind the wheel anyway. Driving when you're physically compromised will only increase the likelihood of having an accident due to mental distraction caused by physical discomfort. You may also want to avoid angry situations that could lead to road rage incidents where safety is compromised.* If a distraction occurs (e.g., spilled coffee), change lanes safely once clear so that no one rear-ends you as well as keep your eyes on the vehicle ahead of you.