There are very few people who don’t own a cell phone. Not only are these effective communication tools, but they also have multiple functions including web browsing, email services, apps, games and even GPS.
The downside of all of this is that cell phones can create distractions for road users. In fact, cell phone use is cited frequently in fatal car crash statistics.
How can drivers avoid cell phone distractions?
Switch it off
The most simple way to eliminate cell phone distractions is to turn them off while driving. This means no loud notifications, no unwanted phone calls and no text messages. Nonetheless, having the cell phone nearby may still risk the temptation of turning it on to have a quick look.
Put it out of reach
As well as turning the phone off, drivers can also put it in a safe place out of reach while on the road. This means that not only is the phone silent but it is completely out of reach while the vehicle is in motion. The best place for this is probably the trunk.
Give it to a passenger
You may not be in a position to turn the phone off completely. For instance, you may be waiting for a call to update you on the health status of a family member. Or, the location of your meeting might change last minute, which you couldn’t know about without your cell phone. If you’re travelling with a passenger, you can hand over control of the phone to them temporarily. They can take calls and relay any important messages.
While you can take steps to eliminate your cell phone use, you can’t do it for other drivers. If a distracted driver has caused you injuries, make sure you look into your legal options.
