We need to prioritize safety over connectivity when we're behind the wheel. Understand your state's laws on phone use and strictly follow them. Keep our phones within arm's reach but use hands-free devices or let calls go to voicemail in hazardous conditions. Avoid texting and driving as it notably increases accident risks. Program our GPS before driving and rely on voice directions. Consider using apps that block notifications and calls automatically to help us stay focused. By practicing these tips, we can notably reduce distractions and drive more safely. Keep following for additional detailed strategies and recommendations.
Key Takeaways
- Use apps like Lifesaver or Mojo to block notifications and calls while driving.
- Program your GPS before starting your journey, and rely on voice directions.
- Keep your phone out of reach or turned off to avoid temptation.
- Let calls go to voicemail, and avoid texting while drivingUsing a mobile device to send text messages while driving, prohibited in many jurisdictions..
Understanding State Laws
Understanding state laws on cell phone use while driving is important for staying safe and avoiding legal trouble. Each state has its own regulations regarding phone use while driving, and not knowing these laws can lead to serious consequences.
Some states completely prohibit cell phone use while driving, meaning we must keep our hands on the wheel and stay focused on the road.
To make sure we're compliant, it's vital to familiarize ourselves with our state's specific regulations. Checking our state's Department of Transportation website can provide clear guidelines on what's allowed and what's not.
For example, some states permit the use of hands-free devices, allowing us to use our phones without physically holding them. Even then, excessive phone usage can still be distracting, so it's best to limit such activities.
Violating these laws can result in finesMonetary penalties for traffic violations., points on our licenses, and even license suspensionLegal grounds and procedures for temporarily suspending a driver’s license due to infractions or m.... By understanding state laws, we promote safer driving habits and avoid these penalties.
Let's stay informed and responsible, keeping our cell phones out of our hands and our attention on the road. This understanding is crucial to ensuring our safety and that of others.
Handling Calls Safely
Handling calls safely while driving is necessary for maintaining focus and minimizing distractions on the road. We can start by keeping our cell phones within arm's reach, ensuring we don't fumble around if we need to take a call. For teen drivers especially, this straightforward tip helps keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Using hands-free devices is another practical solution. By setting up these devices before getting behind the wheel, we can answer calls without taking our focus off driving. It's essential to remember that texting and driving are extremely dangerous. Even with hands-free devices, we should avoid any actions that take our attention away from the road.
In some situations, the best approach is to let calls go to voicemail. If the phone isn't easily reachable or if the conversation might become emotionally charged, it's wise to pull over safely or wait until we've reached our destination to return the call. During hazardous driving conditions, our priority must be safety, so hanging up is the best course of action.
Avoiding Distractions
While handling calls safely is one step, we must also focus on avoiding other distractions to ensure our driving remains as safe as possible.
Distracted Driving Awareness is essential because using hand-held phones while driving significantly heightens the risk of accidents. In fact, engaging in phone activities while driving makes us four times more likely to be involved in a crash. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of keeping our eyes on the road at all times.
It's easy to underestimate the danger of a quick glance at our cell phone while driving, but even a momentary distraction can have disastrous consequences. Texting while driving, for instance, makes a crash 23 times more likely to happen.
With heavy traffic, the stakes are even higher, and our attention must be focused entirely on the road to keep drivers safe.
Using GPS Responsibly
Programming your GPS before starting to drive is vital for minimizing distractions and keeping our focus on the road. As responsible drivers, our primary concern should always be maintaining attention on our surroundings.
When we fiddle with our GPS mid-drive, it can divert our attention away from where it should be – the road. By setting our destination before we begin driving, we reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safer travel.
If we find that we need to reprogram our GPS, it's important to pull over safely before making any adjustments. This prevents us from getting distracted and compromising our safety. Additionally, relying on voice directions rather than constantly glancing at the screen can help us stay focused.
To make sure we're using GPS responsibly, let's keep a few key points in mind:
- Avoid taking photos or videos while using GPS.
- Stay attentive, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather.
Best Apps for Safe Driving
Several apps are designed to help us drive more safely by minimizing smartphone distractions. Lifesaver, OMW, and AT&T Drivemode are excellent options that silence messages and calls automatically when we start driving. These apps eliminate the temptation to check our phones, an important step endorsed by the National Safety Council, especially during Driving Awareness Month.
Mojo is another fantastic app that blocks notifications and calls while we're on the road. By using these tools, we can greatly reduce the risks associated with smartphone use behind the wheel.
For new drivers, these apps are particularly beneficial as they help drivers stay focused and avoid the dangers of a call while driving.
Stressful conversations and constant notifications can wait; our safety and the safety of others on the road should come first. Let's make sure we either turn off our phones completely or use one of these apps to keep our attention where it belongs—on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are 4 Good Cell Phone Use Practices When Driving?
We should position our cell phones within easy reach, set them to driving mode, avoid taking notes or researching while driving, and use hands-free devices for calls. These practices help us stay focused and safe on the road.
Do Hands-Free Devices Make Driving Safer?
Hands-free devices don't make driving much safer. Studies show they still cause cognitive distractions. Our brains stay distracted even after using voice commands, reducing our ability to focus on the road. Let's prioritize undistracted driving.
How to Avoid Using a Cell Phone While Driving?
To avoid using a cell phone while driving, let's put our phones on silent and out of sight. We can also use apps that block calls and texts while driving. Safety should always be our priority.
Is There an App That Prevents Phone Use While Driving?
Yes, there are apps like Lifesaver, OMW, Mojo, and AT&T Drivemode that prevent phone use while driving. They silence notifications and calls automatically, helping us stay focused and reducing distractions on the road.
Conclusion
To wrap up, let's prioritize safety by understanding our state's laws and handling calls responsibly. We should avoid distractions and use GPS wisely to keep our focus on the road.
By leveraging the best apps for safe driving, we can create a safer environment for ourselves and others. Together, we can make our roads safer by committing to smartphone-free driving and setting a positive example for everyone.
Let's drive smart and stay safe!
