Internationally, April is the month of Distracted Driving Awareness. As it is also the month of numerous public holidays in South Africa, in particular the upcoming Easter Weekend, MasterDrive is encouraging all drivers to avoid driving while distracted (DWD) if they are travelling during this period by using the below tips to assist in reducing distractions.
1. Don’t be afraid to just turn off your phone
Text messages, social media and emails can wait, particularly if you are on leave. Try putting your phone out of reach, or just turn it off. When you get to your destination, you can read your messages and respond. Alternatively, especially if your organisation will have drivers on the road, make use of technology that makes it near-impossible to use a phone while driving, such as NOCELL.
2. Be Organised
Know where your important items are before beginning your drive to avoid searching for something while driving. Program your navigation system, have your toll money ready and snacks in reaching distance, in advance. Multi-tasking while driving takes both your eyes and concentration off the road.
3. Have co-pilots
Ask your passengers to assist by doing everything they can that would otherwise remove your attention from the road, including programming the navigation, selecting music or sending a test and even, ideally, answering calls.
4. Keep it light
Do not use a road trip to discuss topics likely to cause conflict or stress. This can cause a major cognitive distraction. Save these topics for later, whether the context is personal or professional.
5. Limit Bluetooth use
It is legal but, ultimately, hands-free texting and talking is still a distraction. Your mind and attention is removed from the road. Thus, use it only when absolutely necessary.
6. Smartphone safety
If you are using your smartphone’s navigation, you cannot just switch the phone off completely. In this instance, try putting your phone on silent. This is also where technology, like the NOCELL technology, can be essential to limit phone use and help keep your eyes and mind on the road.
7. Take your time
We all need quiet moments and while many may find it difficult in a world where we are constantly entertained and distracted, consider turning off the radio or even ask passengers for some quiet. It can be relaxing to collect your thoughts and focus on the single task at hand.
