People are distracted all of the time. While most distractions don’t affect many people’s lives, a driving distraction can mean the difference between safe driving and a severe accident.
One of the most common driving distractions is phones. Phones are practically made to draw the attention of users. When a call is made or a message is sent, many phone users’ attention is immediately taken away from whatever they’re doing to focus on their phone.
To be a better, safer driver, there are things you can do to protect yourself. Here’s what you should know:
How to reduce phone distractions while driving
Possibly the best thing phone users can do to prevent distracted driving is to turn their phone off. Users will still receive calls and texts while their phone is turned off, but they won’t hear anything until their phone is turned back on. However, this isn’t always people’s first choice. Here are a few more options to reduce distracted driving:
- Turn on silent mode: Most modern phones have the option to silence calls and texts. Some models will automatically silence calls and texts when it senses a vehicle in motion.
- Set music and GPS before driving: Some phone users become distracted because they are changing their music or GPS while driving. It can help to make these changes before driving or parking a vehicle to do so.
- Hide the phone: Some people are tempted to look at their phone while driving even if they don’t get a call or text. It can help to put the phone someplace out of reach, such as a bag or glovebox.
- Downgrade: Because apps like social media can be just as distracting as calls and texts, it may help to downgrade the phone. Some versions of phones don’t have apps, which can help reduce distracted driving.
While reducing phone distractions may make you a safer driver, that doesn’t mean it will help other drivers. If you’re in a car accident, you need to learn about your legal options to help receive compensation for medical bills.