Whether you are behind the wheel or getting in a car as a passenger in Missouri, you can establish some habits to prevent distracted driving. Even the smallest distraction can lead to an accident, so it is important to keep these tips in mind.
Separating driving from other activities
AAA states that generally, any activity that takes your focus off of the road is a distraction. If you get a text or have to take care of something else, it is better to find a safe place to pull over.
It may also be helpful to have car passengers attend to things like answering the phone or changing the music.
Other preventative strategies
Make sure your children know to stay buckled up the whole time. If you have to reach back to secure their restraints, pull over first.
Eating while behind the wheel may seem like a necessity if you are in a hurry, but it is better to take your meal before your drive or wait until after. If you must eat while on the road, avoid difficult-to-manage foods and opt for something that is minimally distracting.
Give yourself all the time you need to groom yourself in the morning. Fixing your hair or makeup in the rearview mirror could prove to be a fatal distraction.
It is fine to listen to some quiet music and have a GPS map while driving. To avoid making these things distractions, set them up before your car is in motion, so you are not reaching to set your playlist or destination while you are already on the road.