Stay Focused: The Dangers of Distracted Driving
We get it – your phone is your go-to for everything from social media to food delivery. But behind the wheel it’s a serious distraction.
Did you know that using a mobile phone while driving makes you four times more likely to crash? It’s illegal to use your mobile phone while driving, and even hands-free tech has limitations.
Here at Carrot Insurance Services, we’re here to help you drive safely. Check out our tips and tricks on mobile phone usage to keep you and other drivers safe and sound.
Distracted Driving: The Effects
Using your phone while driving isn’t just illegal – it can seriously endanger you and other road users. Drivers who use their phones behind the wheel are less aware of their surroundings, which leads to:
- Tailgating
- Missing road signs
- Slower reaction times
- Entering unsafe gaps in traffic
- Increased stress and frustration
- Struggling to maintain a steady speed or stay in your lane
To put it in perspective, a car traveling at 30mph covers about three car lengths in just one second. So, even glancing away from the road for a second can be extremely dangerous.
Our Top 10 Tips to Stop Distracted Driving
Need some clutch hacks to stop using a mobile phone whilst driving? Check out these ten lifestyle tips to boost your concentration while driving:
- Turn off your phone or switch it to silent mode
- Use your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” or “Flight Mode” setting
- Check your messages or calls before starting your journey
- Pick your tunes or queue up your playlists before the engine starts
- Avoid hands-free technology as it can increase distraction levels
- Set up any Sat Nav routes before you set off
- If it’s a road trip, take regular breaks to check calls and messages
- If you absolutely must make a call, find a safe place to pull over and park first, ensuring the engine is off
- Equally, don’t call or text someone you know is driving at the time
- For guaranteed success, stash your phone in a safe place where you can’t reach it, like the glovebox
It should go without saying, but if you’re planning to use your phone for navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, make sure it’s securely mounted in a cradle on your dashboard. It should be within easy view, without obstructing your vision. Always set your route before you start driving so you won’t need to touch your phone during the journey.
Distracted Driving: What’s Not Allowed
- Checking Your Phone at Traffic Lights: Holding and using a phone is strictly prohibited, even when stopped at traffic lights or in traffic.
- When to Change Your Tunes: Engaging with your mobile this way takes your eyes off the road and can be just as dangerous as texting or calling. Lock your bops in safely before you hit the road to avoid the risk.
- Hands-Free Conversations: Talking on a mobile phone while driving is more distracting than chatting with a passenger. The person on the phone can’t see the road and react to changes.
- Sat Nav Setup: It’s illegal to touch your phone for any reason while driving, including setting up directions. Pre-install your destination before you start your journey.
- Bluetooth Usage: Using a Bluetooth or hands-free device can be just as distracting as using a hand-held device as your brain focuses on two tasks simultaneously.
- Engines off! Even when parked, it’s illegal to use your phone if the engine is running. To stay on the right side of the law kill your engine before picking up your phone.
Importantly, in an emergency, you can still call 999 or 112 whilst driving, but it’s safer to stop the car, take the keys out, and then make the call.
Our Top 10 FAQs About Distracted Driving
These might seem like no-brainers but remember – the only stupid questions are the ones you don’t ask:
- Can I take pics while driving? Nope, it’s illegal and super dangerous.
- Can I use my phone as a passenger in the front seat? Totally! Just don’t pass it to the driver or distract them with it.
- Can I record a voice memo while driving? Nope, it’s distracting and illegal.
- Can I use my phone to watch videos while driving? No, watching videos while driving is highly distracting and illegal.
- Can I use my phone if I’m parked but the engine is running? Nope, turn off the engine first.
- Can I use my phone for work while driving? No way. It’s illegal no matter the reason.
- Can I join a video call while driving if I don’t look at the screen? No, video calls are super distracting and could land you in hot water with the Police.
- Can I use voice commands to operate my phone while driving? Voice commands are safer, but they can still distract you which is what we’re trying to avoid.
- Is it safe to use text-to-speech apps to read messages while driving? Even with text-to-speech, it’s best to avoid using your phone at all.
- Is it safe to use my phone for navigation if it’s on the dashboard? Yes, if it doesn’t block your view. Set your route before you start and don’t mess with it while driving.
Risks and Consequences of Using a Phone While Driving
Before we wrap up, here’s a quick reminder of the dangers of using a phone while driving:
- Increased crash risk: Distracted driving, including phone use, greatly raises the likelihood of accidents.
- Fatalities: Thousands of lives are lost each year due to crashes involving distracted drivers.
- Legal trouble: Using a phone while driving can lead to fines, points on your license, and even driving bans.
- Insurance impact: Accidents caused by phone use can result in higher insurance premiums.
For further information check out the GOV.UK website for more details.
So, what’s the takeaway? Using your phone while driving is dangerous. Keep yourself and your passengers safe by avoiding it. Be smart and considerate—no social media post or text message is worth risking your safety.
As always, drive safe and stay smart… and leave your phone alone!
Like this post? Check out our articles on “Keep Your Car Safe” and “Stay Cool on the Road”!