Even if you’re an experienced driver, distractions from inside and outside your vehicle can divert your attention and greatly increase your risk of being in an accident. The following are some good ways to minimize distractions while driving, making your trips safer for you, your passengers and those you share the road with:
Don’t Drive When You’re Tired
Driving when you’re tired or drowsy is extremely dangerous and can increase your risk of being in an accident by nearly four times. If you feel yourself getting tired, pull over in a safe, well-lit area and walk around for a few minutes.
Don’t Use Your Cell Phone
Texting when driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. Set your cell phone to driving or airplane mode when you get in the car. This keeps your phone from alerting you of call or texts while you’re driving.
Avoid Eating While Driving
Eating while you’re behind the wheel can seem like a good way to save time, but it can also be distracting. Especially if you spill something, your eyes and attention may be diverted from the road.
Put Your Passengers to Work
Your responsibility is to drive safely and get to your destination safely. Since your passengers have their hands free, put them to work and ask them to control the GPS, find good music to play and take care of other tasks.
Don’t Let Curiosity Divert Your Attention
If something is grabbing your attention along the side of the road or going in a different direction, you’re not able to pay enough attention to what’s going on in front of and around you. Drive cautiously around these distractions and resist the temptation to see what’s going on beyond what directly affects your driving.
Postpone Serious Conversations
If you’re having a serious discussion and are getting emotionally upset or angry, you’ll find it much harder to pay attention to the road and your surroundings. Wait to have these types of discussions when you’re not behind the wheel.
Secure Your Pet
If you’re traveling with your pet, secure them in a pet carrier or in a seat belt made for dogs. Not only is this safer for your pet, it also keeps your in-car distractions to a minimum.
Don’t Daydream
It can be easy to let your mind wander if you’re on a long trip or making your regular morning commute. Instead of becoming distracted by your thoughts, talk to a passenger (if you have one) or try a different route from your normal one so your mind doesn’t go on autopilot.
Valley Automall features one of the biggest selections of new and used cars in Las Vegas and Henderson. If you’re looking for a car with safety features to help you avoid accidents, contact one of our team members at 702-570-2257 to learn about the best options in our inventory.