Do You Text While You Drive?

Picking up your phone to read or answer a text while you’re behind the wheel puts everyone’s safety in jeopardy. It’s estimated that around 660,000 drivers are on their phones at any point during the day. In the United States, texting and driving causes a quarter of all car accidents. Teen drivers are Four times more likely than adults to have accidents or near-accidents when they’re on their phones. Did you know that you are SIX times more likely to cause an accident when you’re texting behind the wheel than a drunk driver? Here are some tipe that can help you ‒ or a driver you care about ‒ overcome the temptation while doing your part to keep the roadways safer. TIPS TO STOP TEXTING AND DRIVING: Before you start the ignition, put your phone on silent mode and make sure it’s not on vibrate or turn your phone off altogether. Both options will eliminate the temptation to check your screen every time it rings, pings or buzzes. On most smartphones, you have the option to turn on some form of a do not disturb mode while you’re driving. There are even some apps you can download to block texts while you’re behind the wheel, including ones specifically geared toward teen drivers. Make it out of sight, out of mind. Rather than having your phone in your cup holder, your center console, or your hand, put it in a spot where you can’t see or reach it. If you have a passenger or two with you, ask them to keep an eye on your phone and handle any calls or messages you receive. If you’re a passenger rather than a driver, volunteer for the job ‒ and call out the driver if they’re being unsafe. If it’s absolutely vital to respond to a message, find a place to safely pull over, then park and answer. Model safe behavior. Talk to your kids about the dangers of texting and driving, explain the ways they can avoid it. If you have a teen driver, make your expectations clear about how they’re allowed to use their phone in the vehicle and be very specific about what will happen if they break those rules. Car-Lotta wants every driver expects to reach their destination safely.