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Tips for Driving Undistracted

Distracted driving has been receiving a lot of attention lately and most people are aware of how dangerous it can be. Despite this, many people cannot resist the urge to pick up their phones while driving. Those who give in to this urge are putting themselves, their passengers, and others at risk.

However, there are many tips and tricks that can help you remain undistracted by your phone while driving. These include:

1.Keeping your phone out of arms reach. Placing your phone in the glove compartment or in the back seat will greatly reduce the urge of checking an incoming text.

2.Turn your phone off while driving. If you cannot hear your phone ring or chime, then you will be less likely to pick it up.

3.Download an anti-texting app, such as Drive Mode or Text Star. Often times, people feel obliged to answer calls or texts immediately – many feel it is rude not to! These apps can help with that concern. They can block texts from being received on your phone while driving or they can send automatic texts back, which state that you are currently driving and will text back when you are safely parked.

4.Do not text or call others when you know they are driving. Preventing distracted driving can be done from outside the car. Do not be the person who creates that temptation for other drivers.

5.Have a friend or passenger operate your phone. Having a “designated texter”, when available, is always a great option to avoid distracted driving.

Following these tips could prevent a very serious motor vehicle accident. Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident and according to the National Safety Council, more than 100,000 motor vehicle crashes a year involve texting and driving.

The next time you get behind the wheel, try to think of other drivers and passengers on the road as your own friends and loved ones. It may just make you think twice about giving into the urge to grab your phone while driving.