Distracted driving has become an epidemic in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 9 people are killed every day in distracted driving related accidents – 3,285 people a year.
Even with 48 states having laws against texting and driving, people still take unnecessary chances. Checking a text message at 55 miles per hour is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded. Thirteen states have made use of any handheld devices while driving illegal.
Although hands-free devices allow both hands to remain on the wheel, it is still distracting to interact with someone who is not aware of driving conditions. Many people argue that calling someone using a hands-free device is no different than talking to a passenger, but research shows passengers will instinctively stop talking to adjust to changing driving conditions.
What can be done to help those tempted to pick up their phone or teenagers to avoid checking that incoming text? Here are some suggestions that might help.
- Turn the phone off – This sounds simple, but many find it hard to completely disconnect. If missing an important text or phone call is a concern, plan times to pull over and check the phone in a safe location.
- Put your phone out of reach – If you can’t completely disconnect, putting your phone out of reach will require pulling over to answer a text or return a phone call.
- Phone Apps– There are several apps available that disable texting. Here are a few highly-rated options:
- Autobeacon Teen Drive – This app not only disables texting, but parents can set it to notify them of the number of passengers in the vehicle, if their teen is going above the posted speed limit, if the music is excessively loud or if seatbelts are not being used. It can also be set to track location.
- Down for the Count – This app rewards you with credits towards gift cards for hours of phone free driving. To activate, simply open the app and press start. It does the rest. If a text is answered, no credits are earned for that trip.
- Motovate Safe Driving – This app also rewards safe driving with incentives. It can also help break other bad driving habits such as speeding and braking too hard.
- One Tap – This app not only disables texting but will send a message back to the person attempting to make contact.
Do your part! Not only can you reduce the number of preventable road accidents, you can help protect the integrity of your US Auto Sales car!