We have all done it. It’s not so bad right? Well wrong. Texting and driving is one of the biggest causes of motor vehicle crashes on a daily basis. Some crashes even result in the loss of life due to texting. It has in fact become illegal to text and drive. We have seen from research conducted abroad, the tendency to use a device while driving can be worse than driving under the influence of alcohol.
Texting and driving does not just include replying to a text message. It also includes searching for a song in you playlist. Using the internet to find a specific location while in motion. Using your cellphone in general should be a no go action.
Let’s face it, the South African road networks are not the safest and are getting worse every day with a combination of speed and I adequate skill and blatant disregard for the traffic laws being the main cause of the unsafe roads. You, as a driver need to me more aware of what’s happening more than ever and being glued to your cellphone is extremely dangerous.
Something which Autodealer editor Sean Nurse found out while testing the theory. In our latest video you will see how we actually missed the STOP on the track. If this was on the public road an accident could have very easily occurred.
For this reason, we have compiled a list of our five tips to prevent yourself from being distracted by these now integral devices.
Set up your phone- If you are like us, then you use your Smartphone for GPS navigation. We urge you to do as we have done and invest in a mount for your phone; there are magnetic clips that attach your phone to your air vent while others attach to your windscreen. Once you have your phone mounted, set it up with your directions and let the phone do its thing while you focus on driving. Do this before you set off.
Place your phone out of reach- Before you set off on your journey; leave your phone in a bag or better yet, in the boot. Most cars are equipped with Bluetooth these days and therefore there is no need to have the actual device within arm’s reach as that all important call can always be taken handsfree.
Pullover- If you don’t have a hands-free kit or Bluetooth in your vehicle and that phone call is absolutely essential then pull over to the side of the road when it is safe to do so and take the call or respond to that text, Tweet, Facebook.
Keep the phone silent- Switching your phone to mute, silent or off completely takes away the temptation and can help you forget about your phone while driving.
Download an app for it- There are several apps out there that will inform your incoming caller that you are driving and cannot answer your phone at that moment by sending a text message. It’s certainly something worth looking into.
We urge you to consider these tips because a life is not replaceable.
