5 tips to reduce distractions while driving

For so many times we find ourselves in situation when our phone beeps while driving and we want just for a second to see who is calling or texting. Usually we also want instatly to send at least short reply, but exactly this kind of distractions can have catastrophic consequences.

A study by NHTSA (National Traffic Safety Administration) has shown that in 2016 in USA there was 3.450 deaths recorded due to reduced attention while driving.

Image source: AVP

This issue was also raised by Slovenian Public Agency for the Safety of transport (AVP) in last year, with extensive media campaign. They pointed out that the issue of using phone while driving will remain as one of their priorities also in the future.

In addition, AVP warns that the usage of phone while driving can be compared to having a blood alcohol level in amount of 0,8.

Despite the fact that legislation itself prohibits the use of devices while driving, because their usage can reduce the driver's perception of traffic, AVP reports that mobile phones are still used by 75% of drivers in Slovenia while driving.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

1. Lock the phone into the glove compartment
If the phone will be locked, we'll not lose the attention on every phone beep. It will definetely help us to keep the focus on the road and we'll simply check all messages and calls after we have stop safely.

2. Hands-free calling
Hands-free calling slightly reduces the distraction while making a phone call, but it still reduces our perception of surroundings and traffic.

3. Use an app that prevents phone usage while driving
There are already quite a number of applications on the market that prevent drivers from using the phone while driving. Here it is important to emphasize that the use of such applications is still dependent on the readiness of drivers to use them.

4. Educate ourselves about the consequences of using a phone while driving
None of the solutions presented above will work without drivers' involvement and their awareness of how dangerous it is to use phone while driving. Therefore, it is important to increase awareness of how with usage of mobile phones while driving we put in danger ourselves and others.

5. Use systems that notify us about traffic dangers
According to the study of NHTSA, almost 80% of all traffic accidents occur due to reduction of driver's attention during last 3 seconds before the accident. Collision avodiance systems, such as Mobileye play important role in preventing such accidents. When such system sensors dangerous situation, it generates audio and visual warrnings, pulling driver's attention back on the road. Mobileye alerts drivers about front collision with vehicle, motorcycle, biker or pedestrian, about unintentional deviation from the driving lanes, helps the driver to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and recognizes speed limit signs. At the same time, systems such as Mobileye are not subjected to the temptation to answer a call or check a text message.

More about Mobileye system is available here >>>