10 Tips for Managing Driver Distractions
- Turn it off. Turn your phone off or switch to silent mode before you get in the car. Or better yet, put the phone away in a place it cannot be accessed while driving.
- Spread the word. Set up a special message to tell callers that you are driving and you'll get back to them as soon as possible, or sign up for a service that offers this.
- Pull over. If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe area first.
- Use your passengers. Ask a passenger to communicate for you.
- X the text. Don't ever text and drive, surf the web or read your email while driving. It is dangerous and against the law in most states, including Massachusetts.
- Know the law. Familiarize yourself with state and local laws before you get in the car.
- Prepare. Start your GPS or review maps and directions before you start to drive. If you need help when you are on the road, ask a passenger to help or pull over to a safe location to review the map and/or directions.
- Secure your pets. Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive.
- Keep the kids safe. Pull over to a safe location to address situations with your children in the car.
- Focus on the task at hand. Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading, and any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road.
We can all play a part in the fight to save lives by ending distracted driving.
- Teens can be the best messengers with their peers.
- Parents first have to lead by example — by never driving distracted.
- Educators and employers can play a part by spreading the word at school or in the workplace about the dangers of distracted driving.
- Make your voice heard: If you feel strongly about distracted driving, be a voice in your community by supporting local laws, speaking out at community meetings, and highlighting the dangers of distracted driving on social media and in your local op-ed pages.
Massachusetts' Safe Driving Law
Massachusetts has had a Safe Driving Law effective as of September 2010. The law bans sending, typing, or reading electronic messages to or from handheld devices while operating a motor vehicle. This includes the use of the internet and text messaging. The law also bans all handheld electronics by junior operators while behind the wheel.
Read the entire summary of the Safe Driving Law on the Registry of Motor Vehicles website.
Take the Distracted Driving Quiz
While there are many distractions on the road today, your mobile phone is one of the worst offenders. Take this Travelers Insurance quiz to test your knowledge about distracted driving and your phone.
Share these tips to help keep you and others safe on the road.
#DriveSafely
Sources:
1NHTSA.gov https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
Mass.gov https://www.mass.gov/service-details/distracted-driving
Travelers.com https://www.travelers.com/quiz/auto/distracted-driving
