Spring Travel Tip #8: Avoid distractions while driving.
Road trips should be fun but don’t let your cell phone or travel companions distract you from the road ahead. Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is important for ensuring quick, smart, safe reactions to changing road conditions.
If driving alone:
- Set up your navigation app and turn on voice commands to read directions enroute before you leave.
- Create a playlist ahead of time so you don’t need to look at your screen to skip songs or jump radio stations.
- Put a beverage with a straw and an easy-to-eat snack in your cup holder so you don’t need to worry about lids, bottle tops, or taking your eyes off the road. (Staying fed and hydrated will also improve mental clarity and prevent brain fog. You can also plan off-road meal stops to eat, rest, and recharge.)
- Plug in your devices to charge while you drive or pull into a rest stop.
- Turn your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving Focus” mode.
If driving with family or friends:
- Assign a navigator (ideally your front seat passenger) to follow the map and read directions.
- Assign someone to control the music.
- Assign someone to distribute snacks or beverages.
Traveling with children can make avoiding distractions challenging when they constantly want your attention. Ensure your kids have a toy, book, coloring page, or other form of entertainment to occupy their attention. Or play classic car word games like I Spy or the license plate game!
Taking your eyes off the road for even a second could be the difference between arriving at your destination and putting an abrupt end to your vacation. As soon as you take your eyes off the road, your ability to see and react is gone.
Hurt in a car crash because another driver was distracted while driving? Call Multerer Law Firm at 716-882-8828 for your FREE case evaluation.