A Solution for Distracted Driving

There are many strategies included in what is known as “defensive driving”. Some of these strategies include having proper hand position on the steering wheel, keeping a safe following distance, and successfully scanning the road ahead. You may have learned these strategies in drivers education class when you first got your license or maybe you got a recent refresher because you got a ticket in Texas and took a defensive driving course to keep points off your driving record. Regardless, most drivers know the difference between safe and unsafe driving behavior. Unfortunately, the need to staying connected outweighs the inherent danger that multitasking presents while driving. The results are frightening. The next time you are driving as a passenger in a vehicle, notice how many drivers around you are using their mobile devices while driving. Whether they are texting, checking email, checking their Facebook page, or browsing the internet. The point is they are not giving their 100% undivided attention to driving, which is required to be prepared for the unexpected.

Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes on U.S. roads, and cell phone use behind the wheel is a major part of the problem. Every text, email or social media check takes your eyes off the road for several seconds, and at highway speeds that is enough to travel the length of a football field without looking.

Technology can help. Most modern phones include a driving focus or “do not disturb while driving” mode that silences notifications automatically, and many vehicles now offer hands-free voice controls. Turn these features on before you start the car, put the phone out of reach, and give the road your full attention. In Texas, texting while driving is illegal statewide.