According to Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) statistics, "distracted driving" was a factor in 4.56% of crashes in Ohio in 2019. What counts as distracted driving? Perhaps it's a parent reaching back to soothe a baby; maybe it's a teen responding to a text with one hand while steering with the other. The bottom line is that the driver's attention was focused away from the task of driving, resulting in a crash.
7 Proven Ways to Crush Distractions Behind the Wheel
How can you limit common distractions while driving? Here are some tips:
- Limit cell phone use while in your vehicle – turn it off or use auto-reply texts, if absolutely necessary
- Adjust audio and climate controls only when the vehicle is at a complete stop. Alternately, ask a passenger for assistance in making these adjustments
- Make sure children are properly buckled in or fastened in the proper car seats
- Make time for other tasks (like eating meals and makeup application) either before or after your trip
- Limit audio/conversation volume so you can better perceive your surroundings
- Make your family, friends and/or employer aware of your desire to drive with minimal distractions
- Secure pets
By limiting distractions while driving, you'll not only protect your interests in the event of an accident, but you'll also be better able to defend against other distracted drivers on the road.
