4 Ways You Can Help Stop Distracted Driving Today

August 26th, 2014  |  Insurance

Putting an end to distracted driving once and for all starts with you! Distracted driving is a choice. You choose to engage in distracted driving behaviour when you get behind the wheel. This is why you need to take it upon yourself to eliminate distractions and be a safe driver. 

While it starts with you, it doesn’t have to stop with you and it’s important that you help get other drivers onboard when it comes to stopping distracted driving. Remember that for every person that chooses to stop distracted driving, it is one less other driver you have to worry about on the road. While one person may not seem like a big difference, collectively we can make a huge impact on reducing the number of accidents that are caused by distracted driving. 

Here are four things that you can do today to help stop distracted driving:

1. Make a pledge to stop driving while distracted: You know your temptations better than anyone else. If you know you are tempted to check your phone while driving, turn it off when you get in the car. If you have a bad habit of putting on makeup during your morning commute, make sure you do it before getting in the car. Check out5 Common (And 3 Not So Common) Distractions for Drivers
2. Be an advocate, even if you are a passenger: As a passenger you still have the right to voice yourconcerns about distracted driving. You can take action by offering to hold your drivers phone while in the car with them and you can make it a point to not do anything that will distracted the driver you are with. You can also call drivers out when they are engaging in unsafe driving habits such as using their phone, and not keeping their eyes on the road. 
3. Talk to your kids and new teen drivers: As an experienced driver it is your job to set the example for young drivers. Talk with your teens and new drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. New drivers have a huge impact on driving culture and road safety today and in the future. If we can get everyone on-board at an early age, together we can make a difference. 
4. Get involved in awareness campaigns: Distracted driving awareness campaigns are growing in popularity as more and more people realize the dangers of driving while distracted. Get involved in local or online awareness campaigns to spread the word. Send out tweets, post messages on Facebook, and attend local events in support of eliminating distracted driving. 

What steps have you taken to help stop distracted driving? If you have been guilty of distracted driving in the past, what can you do today to be a safer driver?