You’re driving down the road and your phone lights up and you receive a text message. You think to ourselves, “Oh no big deal, I will quickly respond.” If you’re traveling at the speed of 55mph, you will travel the length of a football field in no more than five seconds. Consider how much can happen in that short amount of time.
Driving is a privilege because of the inherent risk and responsibility we all need to assume out on the road. When you make the decision to text and drive, you are putting yourself and everyone around you in danger. Studies have shown that texting and driving is as dangerous as drinking and driving. If you text behind the wheel you’re, 23 times more likely to crash. We know it can be quite difficult to stay off your phone while driving. That’s why we have created tips to avoid texting and driving.
- Fully focus on driving. Do not let anything divert your attention, actively scan the road, use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
- If you think you will be tempted to check your phone, avoid the temptation by putting your cell phone out of reach for example in your purse, glove box or back seat.
- Turn you phone off or put it on silent.
- Designate a texter. If you are driving with friends or family, assign someone the task of replying to any important texts you receive.
- Download an app. Apps like DriveOff for Android immediately lock your phone when you are driving at speeds faster than 10mph. They have created technology in the app to sense when you reach a speed faster than 10mph.
- Pull off to the side of the road to send a text or make a phone call.
- Be careful with handsfree options in your vehicle. A driver who is distracted by interacting with a handsfree Bluetooth device can become blind to hazards despite having his or her eyes on the road. The handsfree device provides an illusion of safety, not safety itself.
Safety is top priority at LaFontaine and we want our customers and employees to be safe out on the road! When you’re behind the wheel, your specific actions can either cause or prevent an accident from happening. It’s important to be alert at all times. Don’t be a statistic-don’t be a distracted driver!
