Tips for Safe Driving with Cell Phones
On the Road: Keep Technology Hazards at Bay
The world is comprised of high-speed multi-taskers, but multi-tasking while you’re driving poses tremendous risk to your Personal Safety. If you can’t logically sort it out for yourself, there are plenty of studies that show any distraction that interrupts a driver’s concentration is potentially dangerous. Take your eyes off the road for a second and an incident can happen (i.e. an accident, a smash & grab, etc.)
General Tips for Driving Safer with Cell Phones
- Abstain from talking on a cell phone while you are actively driving.
- If you need to answer a call or make one, try and pull off the road into a safe parking area.
- Make sure your phone is within easy reach, not in the glove compartment or a purse where you might have to dig for it.
- Use a hand’s free device like a Bluetooth headset or earpiece that allows you to talk while both hands remain on the wheel.
- Hands-free or not, postpone conversations that are either emotional or complex.
- Prior to getting on the road, practice driving while using your hands-free device in an open parking lot so you know how to use it properly without fumbling.
- Do not send a text message or try and read incoming messages while driving.
- Shop for the latest models of phones that feature voice activated dialling and speed dialling.
- Use your cell phone only in the event of an emergency in which you need help or someone else needs help.
Distractions Everywhere
Anything that interrupts the driver’s concentration is potentially unsafe, that includes changing a CD, changing the radio station, eating, drinking, and carrying on a conversation with a passenger, among a list of other common practices.
Upsides to Cell Phones
What about the upside to cell phones on the road? Mapping Apps & efficient route selection optimises travel time (check out the App WAZE). Motorists have the convenience of phoning for roadside assistance when stranded. Cell phone technology makes the timely reporting of emergencies a reality.