Start Summer Off Right by Preventing Distracted Driving
The weather is warming up, school is almost done, and vacation planning is underway. While we are all excited to get back outside and enjoy a beautiful Iowa summer, it’s also important to be aware of the dangers on the road. The “100 deadliest days” are between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as these days are the most dangerous time on the road for teen drivers. Distracted driving is the leading cause of death for teens, but it’s also increasingly becoming a concern for adults.
Everyone can help prevent distracted driving. Below are tips to help keep your teen and family safe on the road this summer.
Types of Distracted Driving: The three main types of distracted driving are manual, cognitive, and visual. Manual distractions involve removing your hands from the steering wheel, like reaching for items, eating, or adjusting dials. Visual distractions are defined as taking your eyes off the road, such as looking at billboards, your cellphone, or passing scenery. The final distraction is cognitive, which can appear as daydreaming, listening to loud music, or talking to the passengers in your vehicle.
Make Adjustments Before You Depart: Before you shift your car out of park, check your mirrors, adjust your seat, set the temperature, and set the music volume. Ensure that your destination is logged into the GPS and monitor the traffic conditions ahead of time.
Put Your Phone Away: The easiest way to prevent distraction from your devices is to enable do-not-disturb mode. Only answer calls and text messages once you reach your destination or pull over to a safe location before attempting to respond. If you use your phone as a GPS or for music, consider purchasing a mount for the cupholder or dashboard. The Iowa hands-free driving law went into effect this past year, meaning that you are now at risk for a citation for holding your phone while driving, which is another good reason to keep your phone away while driving.
Distracting Passengers: The passengers in your vehicle are major causes of distracted driving. The responsibility of driving rests directly on the driver, and it is your choice to engage with a distraction in your vehicle. If your child is crying or demanding attention, pull over until they calm down and resume your trip. If passengers are not wearing seatbelts, turning the radio up loud, or engaging in other distracting behaviors, stop the drive and ensure that they understand the severity of consequences that come from distracting a driver.
While summer can be great and an opportunity to make lasting memories, it’s important to keep safety a priority. Follow these tips to ensure you arrive at your destination safely!
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