Nearly everyone has been guilty of distracted driving at some point. But, it’s a dangerous habit that can endanger you, your passengers, and everyone on the road. In fact, distracted driving contributes to 80 percent of all auto accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
When you are driving, it is important to fully focus on the road at all times. Make sure you actively scan the road, use your mirrors, and keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists. Distracted driving can cause injuries, damage to vehicles and other property, and high car insurance costs.
Some distractions may be unavoidable, but many can be avoided. Since April is Distracted Driver Awareness Month, take some time to learn a few tips to help you remain focused while driving.
- Avoid multitasking while driving. Multitasking may be a great skill to have, but when it comes to driving it is important to have your full attention focused on the road. Refrain from eating, putting on make up, searching for music, or any other activity that takes your full attention away from driving. Food spills are a major cause of distracted driving and cause hundreds of auto accidents each year.
- Prepare before hitting the road. Adjust the GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls, and sound systems before you start driving. Review your directions and check traffic conditions ahead of time. Anything that takes your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road can result in a car crash.
- Ask passengers for help. If you have passengers, enlist their help to adjust the radio, review directions, or answer a phone call, so you can focus safely on driving.
- Pull over to care for children. If children in the car need your attention, pull over to a safe place to address the situation and take care of them. Reaching into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
- Store loose items. Secure any loose gear, possessions, and other distraction that could roll around in the car, so that you don’t feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or seat.
- Don’t use cell phones. If you need to make a phone call or respond to a text message, it’s best to pull over first. Even hands-free devices can distract you from the road and drivers around you.
- If you are drowsy, pull off the road. Drowsiness increases the risk of an auto accident by nearly four times. If you start to feel tired while driving, get off the road. Don’t try to get home faster.
In addition to the above safety tips avoiding distracted driving, it is essential that you have the proper auto insurance coverage in case an accident does occur. There are many options when it comes to auto insurance and you want to make sure you and your family are completely covered to avoid serious financial consequences.
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The experienced insurance agents at Berliner-Gelfand & Co, Inc. in Connecticut have been helping individuals and families protect themselves for more than 50 years. We can help you select the right auto insurance coverage for you, so please contact our office for a quote today (203)-367-7704.