Avoid Distracted Driving
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Ultimately, it is up to you to avoid distractions. Distractions are everywhere and you must be committed to avoiding distractions and giving your full attention to the task at hand—safely driving your vehicle.
Commitment – Plan Ahead
- Be well rested and physically ready to drive.
- Know where you’re going. Don’t wait until after you begin driving to look up your route. This includes reading maps, entering navigation coordinates, and checking traffic conditions.
- Give yourself prep time. Allow time to review notes, complete paperwork, eat, and groom—either before you leave, when you are pulled over along your route, or after you arrive at your destination. These activities should not be done while you are driving!
Commitment – Control Your Driving
The second commitment is to take control of your driving.
- Before you start driving, buckle up, adjust your mirrors, and preset climate controls, seat positions, and sound systems.
- Respect the inherent dangers of cell phones. While these great tools are becoming increasingly advanced and versatile in our daily lives—they can also be one of the most dangerous and common distractions we encounter. Studies show that hands-free phones also cause distraction. Phones, regardless of what type, should not be used when driving. Checking messages, accessing Internet information, making phone calls, sending text messages, or responding to e-mails should be restricted to when you are pulled over and safely parked.
Commitment – Clear Mind
Finally, you need to be committed to having a clear mind. It is almost impossible to focus on driving when you allow your mind to wander off to work, family pressure, or simple daydreaming. Your focus must be on your driving and not on your surroundings, such as billboards, construction zones, accidents, or passengers. You need to be mentally and emotionally prepared, if you are to drive safely.
Every time you get behind the wheel, people are counting on you to be a professional, to drive safely, and to arrive at your destination without incident or accident.
Safe@Work is brought to you by Federated Insurance. This is for general information and risk prevention purposes only. The recommendations herein may help reduce the risk of loss but are not a guarantee of the elimination of any risk of loss. It is not provided as a substitute for any regulatory standards that may apply. The information is accurate as of publication and is subject to change. The contents of this presentation should not be considered legal or expert advice. Qualified counsel should be sought regarding questions specific to your circumstances.
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