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Distracted driving has always been an issue. From scarfs flying into the field of vision to text messages drawing sight away from the road, it’s important to know what to do to keep your adventures as safe as possible.

Silence
Keep the phone absolutely silent. Even the feint buzz can take your attention away for the split second you needed to avoid running a stop sign. Whatever it is that you’ll be receiving is not worth the damage it could do to you or somebody else. If you have to check it, turn into a parking lot and conduct your business off the road.

Know the Car
Rental cars and borrowed cars are both very unfamiliar. Before heading out, take the time to acquaint yourself with the location of all of the important features. Adjust your mirrors. Find out how to turn on the wipers and headlights. Know where the horn and the emergency lights are. The less you have to guess on the road, the better prepared you’ll be to react.

No Food
Having your hands busy holding a bagel or coffee is just as hazardous as messing around with a cell phone. Either eat before you start your drive or stop for the half hour it takes to order a meal and eat it inside. Coffee burns are only adding insult to injury if you happen to be in a crash because your hands weren’t free to handle the wheel properly.

Car Insurance
Never drive without insurance. Chances are you will be in at least one accident in your life and not having the insurance to cover such an event is distraction enough. Instead of actually driving safely, you’ll be too worried about driving defensively, upping your chances of a wreck because you were going way too slow, and the car behind you didn’t see you until right after the turn in the road. According to Eisenhauer Insurance Inc., driving without insurance can cost you more money in the long run especially if you are the one liable for the car accident caused.

Read the Map
GPS is a phenomenal invention, but even with its ability to point you correctly, you should still take the time to familiarize yourself with the journey. Not all turnoffs are clearly marked. In addition, looking at the map trying to understand the directions are seconds you have your eyes off of the road. Turn on the voice function so you can avoid this trap altogether.

Written by: Lizzie Weakley