Distracted driving is one of the major causes of automobile accidents in British Columbia. Though there are many reasons a driver may become distracted, cell phone use and texting are the major sources of distraction. Texting occupies the eyes, hands, and mind while driving and all three are required to focus on the road.
Auto accident lawyers, such as the professionals at Stephens & Holman, can help when an unfortunate situation occurs due to distracted driving. However, our team prefers hearing stories of how drivers put down the phone and keep their eyes on the road.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving
Below are some simple ways to prevent distracted driving so that dangerous, life-changing accidents don’t happen to you or your loved ones.
1. Power Down
When your phone is off completely, you won’t be tempted by rings, alerts, or what’s happening on social media. Powering down your phone is a good way to avoid distractions while driving.
2. Place Phone Out of Reach
If you want to leave your phone on, put it somewhere out of reach. Place it in the trunk or tuck it away in your purse or bag. Silence your phone so you won’t be tempted to reach around and grab it when it rings.
3. Give Yourself Time
Provide yourself extra time ahead of your drive to make and return calls and texts. Listen and respond to voicemails before you begin driving. Any additional time you need to take on your phone, do it before you get behind the wheel.
4. Pull Over
Even if your vehicle has the auto-call feature, the safest choice is to pull over to a safe spot if you need to make a call. Make sure your car is safely removed from traffic before answering or dialing to reduce the possibility of a collision.
5. Use an Auto-Reply Text
Use an auto-reply app or change your greeting so when people text or call you, they automatically know why you are unavailable. These automatic replies will let them know you are driving so you don’t feel obligated to respond until after you reach your destination.
6. Ask for a Call Back
If the person you are on the phone with is driving, ask them to call you back once they’ve arrived at their destination. You can also encourage loved ones to do the same, thereby spreading awareness of these safety measures.