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Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of traffic incidents across the country. Whether you're a parent, a teen driver, a business owner, or a professional driver, minimizing distractions behind the wheel can save lives. In this guide, we’ll explore personal strategies, workplace policies, and community efforts to reduce distracted driving, with actionable tips and resources to help you stay focused on the road.
Pre-trip preparations can minimize distractions on the road. If you’re a parent with kids in the backseat, spend a few moments setting the DVD player, putting snacks and sippy cups within reach, adjusting climate controls, and generally heading off the requests that inevitably come once you’re on the road. It’s a good idea to remind small passengers that now’s the time to focus on the road and keep everyone safe, so no loud noises, please!
Setting the GPS ahead of time is a best practice for safety on the road, so preload your destination and enable voice-guided directions via bluetooth if possible. If you need to refer to your phone for directions, mount it safely to the dashboard with an appropriate hands-free holder. If you plan on listening to a podcast, audiobook or playlist on the road, get it set up while you’re still in the driveway.
If it’s a long trip ahead, don’t try to be a hero and get there in record time. Listen to your body, take breaks, switch drivers, stay hydrated and nourished. No amount of caffeine can overcome your body and mind’s need for sleep, and depriving yourself of that only puts you, your passengers, and other travelers at risk.
Clean out the car before leaving. Not only does clutter distract the driver, but loose items rolling around do as well, and may cause an accident. For example, an apple, water bottle or other small object falling into the well where the pedals are can easily roll under the brake or gas pedal, creating a dangerous situation where you can’t brake or accelerate properly—something that can be easily avoided with a quick cleanup before hitting the road.
If you’re in a rental car, familiarize yourself with the controls prior to driving off. And if you’ve got someone riding shotgun and you’re in unfamiliar territory, assign them the role of navigation and phone call duties.
When it’s time for your teen to get behind the wheel, you may be faced with a crippling anxiety over their learned behaviors. Have you set a good example for safe driving?
Establish a driving contract with your teen that outlines clear expectations and consequences, AAA offers a great template to start with. Talk through real-life scenarios and how to handle them calmly and safely. The more time you spend in the passenger seat, the more confident and capable your teen will become. Most importantly, teach them early that texts and calls can always wait.
While technology distractions are the very thing most parents seek to avoid when it comes to their teen driving, it’s not all bad. There are some great apps out there that help parents monitor teens’ driving behavior. Life360 offers real-time location sharing, speed tracking, crash detection, and driver reports detailing acceleration, braking, and other risky behaviors. For more options on tracking your teen’s driving, check out this article.
Workplace distracted driving prevention programs are essential for protecting employees and reducing liability. Start by creating clear, enforceable company policies that define acceptable behaviors and outline consequences. Supplement policies with regular driver training programs focused on safe driving habits and awareness. Many companies have also found success by implementing fleet management technology to monitor driver behavior and reduce distractions, resulting in fewer incidents and safer roads.
Case studies show that fleet management, also known as telematics, helps organizations reduce maintenance costs, improve fuel efficiency, and minimize downtime. In one case study by Verizon, a company significantly lowered its insurance costs by installing Verizon Connect Reveal. The system also helped Daco reduce insurance risks, thanks in part to integrated road-facing cameras that protect the company from unfounded claims by other motorists.
Sharing the road with distracted drivers can be dangerous, but recognizing the signs, such as swerving, inconsistent speeds, or delayed reactions, can help you stay alert. Practice defensive driving by maintaining a safe following distance and being prepared to react calmly to sudden movements. A safe driving distance is measured in time rather than feet—it should typically be at least three seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This gives you enough time to react if the car ahead stops suddenly. In poor weather or low visibility, increase the gap to four or more seconds for added safety.
Many insurance companies offer a discount for those who proactively complete defensive driving courses, like this one offered by AARP. Following at a safe distance, avoiding distractions, and leaving early are some of the best practices for defensive driving.
If you encounter a driver who poses a serious risk, report them to local authorities when it's safe to do so. If another driver poses an immediate threat, call 911; otherwise, report that car’s make, model and license plate if possible to your local non-emergency police line. Most importantly, stay focused yourself, don’t let someone else’s distraction become your own.
