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Distracted Driving Awareness Month: Essential Habits for Staying Focused on the Road

As April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, it is crucial to reflect on our daily driving habits that can lead to dangerous distractions. Mercury Insurance champions this awareness campaign, emphasizing that distractions aren't just limited to texting but can stem from common activities like eating or adjusting the music system. Addressing these habits and developing better driving routines can significantly enhance road safety.

Preparing Before You Drive

Before starting your car, it's essential to eliminate potential distractions. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Plan Your Route - Set your GPS and select your music before hitting the road. Doing this ensures you won't need to fiddle with your devices mid-journey.
2. Organize Your Car - Secure loose items that could shift while driving, which may tempt you to reach for them.
3. Activate 'Do Not Disturb' Mode - Silence notifications to avoid being distracted by incoming texts or calls.

By dedicating just a few moments before driving, you significantly minimize the risk of distractions once you're on the road.

Keeping Your Phone Out of Reach

The smartphone is one of the leading causes of driver distraction. Experts recommend enforcing strict rules regarding phone usage:

• - Store your phone in the glove compartment, back seat, or even the trunk to reduce temptation.
• - If you must send a message, pull over safely before doing so.
• - Enlist your passengers to manage your messages if you're driving.

These simple steps can greatly reduce the likelihood of an accident caused by phone-related distractions.

Avoiding the Multitasking Trap

While it may not seem that perilous, multitasking during driving can significantly increase your accident risk. Here's how to stay focused:

• - Refrain from eating, grooming, or tinkering with controls while in motion.
• - Maintain both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.
• - Acknowledge that mental distractions, like daydreaming, can also greatly impair your driving.

The best drivers are those who are aware of their mental state behind the wheel.

Using Passengers Effectively

When driving with others, remember that they can be valuable allies in maintaining focus:

• - Assign tasks to them, such as navigating or responding to messages.
• - Encourage them to alert you if they see any distractions affecting your focus.
• - Set clear expectations before starting your journey about minimizing distractions.

As stated by Justin Yoshizawa, Director of Product Management at Mercury Insurance,