How To Avoid Driving Distractions

Susie was driving home with her children after a medical appointment. Driving in the opposite direction was a contractor who was talking on his cell phone to a supplier. While looking at the phone, the contractor lost control of his vehicle, crossed the center line and hit Susie's vehicle head on.

Focus On The Task At Hand

• Start with the basics and drive defensively. Make it your goal to have a "perfect" trip.

• Don't turn your head to talk or look at scenery or another person.

• Don't fool with the radio or other nonessential equipment when the road is busy. When driving in unfamiliar areas, turn off the radio for maximum concentration.

• Personal grooming and reading are obvious no-no's.

• Experts say we eat one in ten restaurant meals in our automobile, often while weaving through traffic. Don't eat or drink while you drive.

• If you don't know exactly where you're going, get directions before you leave.

• If you need to look at a map or reach into your purse or briefcase, pull over. The same applies to dealing with troublesome children.

• Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may be distracting.

• Illness is a distraction. When you're sick, your reflexes are slower than normal and your senses may be fogged. Consider staying home until you are alert.

• Read the labels on medications and talk to the pharmacist. Many medications such as antihistamines can make you dizzy or drowsy.

The Rolling Phone Booth

• Learn and follow all local and state laws. When you travel, review local requirements.

• Learn how to operate your phone without looking at it.

• Never take notes or look up phone numbers while driving. Use a small tape recorder to take notes.

• Keep conversations brief so you can concentrate on your driving.

• A cell phone should only be used when it is absolutely necessary. The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association offers these safety tips for cell phone users:

• Take the time to become familiar with the features of your phone such as speed dial and redial.

• Position your phone so you can reach it while maintaining a proper view of the road and all mirrors.

• Dial while the vehicle is stopped. If you absolutely must dial in light traffic, dial a few numbers, check traffic, and continue dialing when it's safe. Or, have a passenger dial for you.

• If you place a call while moving, stay in the lane reserved for slower traffic.

• Use Speed Dialing for frequently dialed numbers.

• Always assess the traffic situation before receiving calls. Allow voice mail to answer the phone when it's unsafe to speak, e.g., heavy traffic or bad weather.

• Let the person you are speaking to know you are driving. If necessary, suspend conversations during hazardous driving conditions or situations.

• The National Safety Council recommends not using a cell phone at stoplights. You may notice cars moving in the next lane, but your light could still be red.

• Hearing impaired drivers should pull over to use the phone. Too much of your attention will be diverted to deciphering the sounds.