Aug 2015 31

Nine Ways To Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted Driving has become one of the biggest causes of automobile accidents in the last few year as technology has led to more and more mobile devices that have the tendency to take driver’s eyes off the wheel. In today’s society where everyone has cell phones, tablets, MP3 players, ipods, e-readers and more it is no wonder that the constant beeping, ringing, and vibrating of all these devices is leading to distraction since the point of all those sounds is to alert the owner’s attention in the first place. As a result, more drivers are instinctively turning to their device and away from the road.

For the fifth consecutive year, the suburban Chicago-based American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers are promoting their Decide to Drive campaign, which focuses on the dangers of distracted driving. Throughout the campaign, they encourage drivers to remember to use their hands-free devices and to avoid other common distractions such as eating, drinking, and grooming when in the driver’s seat.

In 2013 alone, distracted driving was the main cause behind 424,000 crashes in the U.S. the majority of which have occurred in the nation’s largest cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. As part of this year’s campaign, they have released a new “wreck-less checklist” that includes nine suggestions to help prevent distracted driving.

Read through the list below to see their recommendations, and always remember to keep both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road when you are in the driver’s seat.

Put on any accessories, be they sunglasses or Bluetooth earpieces, before starting the car.
Adjust seats, headrests, vehicle controls and mirrors, and fasten your seat belt before moving.
Keep reading materials and other eye diverters out of reach, pre-load music selections and adjust the stereo volume to a level that still allows you to hear emergency sirens.
Enter your destination in the navigation system or consult your directions before driving.
Stop in a safe area before tending to your children or pets.
Never apply makeup, groom, polish your nails or change clothes while driving.
Avoid eating or drinking.
No texting, phone calls, taking photos or other device play.
Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times.