From the moment people first started driving, we have had to fight against distractions behind the wheel. But while modern drivers must avoid the usual disruptions of the past, such as eating and drinking behind the wheel, advanced and widespread technology has created new challenges.
From listening to music to accurately navigating to your destination, you rely on technology a lot to help you drive. Follow these three tips on how to avoid distracted driving to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
1. Mount Your GPS Near Eye Level
You can easily view a GPS display screen that’s built into your car’s dashboard. But if your car doesn’t have this feature, you can mount your own GPS device securely at eye level.
Mount your device near the driver’s line of sight so that checking directions is quick and easy. Before you begin driving, request directions to your destination. You shouldn’t mess with the device while you’re driving or at a stop sign or red light. Looking over the directions before you begin driving will help you prepare for driving conditions such as traffic and unique road types. Once everything checks out, make sure to mount your device securely; then, you can begin to drive.
2. Get Great Reception
Imagine you’re driving on a long-distance trip to visit a friend, and you need to check in with them. You park your vehicle in a parking lot, then pull out your cell phone to ask your friend a question via text message. The text won’t go through, so you make a call. But the conversation turns choppy, and you repeat yourselves many times in an attempt to understand each other. Finally, you come to the conclusion that your vehicle has poor cell reception.
You can improve your reception by choosing the right antenna and booster for your vehicle. How does this simple setup enhance your car’s connectivity? An antenna installed on your car’s exterior pulls in a cell tower’s signal. Then, the signal booster amplifies that signal. An antenna inside your vehicle rebroadcasts the strengthened signal throughout your car.
3. Avoid Emotional Driving
Many people have experienced angry drivers on the road, but any elevated emotions can distract drivers from safely navigating around traffic and pedestrians. This tip on how to avoid distracted driving is something to keep in mind before you get behind the wheel and while you’re actively driving.
If you’re feeling stressed, angry, sad, excited, or even euphoric before you drive, take a moment to calm down. Any elevated emotion can impair your decision-making skills and prevent you from accurately seeing and hearing your surroundings. Calm and focus yourself before you start to drive.
If you’re on the road and become emotional, stay relaxed and focused. Don’t dwell on what’s causing your emotions to rise. Instead, refuse to allow your emotions to distract you. If you need to, pull over until you can safely return to the road.
Image Credit: #267567194 By: flowertiare “Young woman is driving on the highway in Italy and using gps navigation app on the mobile phone. View from the back seat of the car”
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