Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Make adjustments before driving
• Method 2 of 4: Avoid physical and visual distraction
• Method 3 of 4: Driving with passengers
• Method 4 of 4: Dealing with outside distractions
• Warnings

Every year thousands of people die as a result of distraction while driving. You can minimize distractions by deciding on your route in advance, turning off your phone, and waiting to eat until your car is parked. In addition, it is important to know how to drive a car with passengers to avoid distractions while driving.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Make adjustments before driving

1. Make sure you have completed personal care at home. Give yourself plenty of time in the morning to get dressed, shave, and make up. If necessary, you can get up 15 to 30 minutes earlier to make sure you are dressed and refreshed before you step out the door. This way you can avoid doing these things while behind the wheel.
   • If you don't have enough time in the morning to get ready, take self-care products with you in the car. Wait until you arrive at your destination and your car is parked before continuing to take care of yourself.
2. Fasten loose objects. Before starting the car, make sure that any loose objects that could roll and distract you while you are driving are stuck. Put them in the trunk, a safe bag, or in your glove compartment. This way you can prevent these objects from coming loose in the car and trying to get them, which is dangerous.
   • For example, put combs and brushes, clothes and shoes, books and bags in the trunk or glove compartment.
3. Think about your route in advance. While you're in your parked car, review the route you're about to take. Also listen to the traffic report while you familiarize yourself with the route. This way, you don't have to reset your GPS every time on the go.
   • If you're using a GPS, make sure you've set it up before you hit the road, and use the voice function so you don't have to check your GPS.
4. Adjust your car settings in advance. Make sure that climate control is properly adjusted. Also set your radio to the station you want to listen to and adjust the volume while your car is parked.
   • In addition, make sure that your mirrors, seat and steering wheel are set in the correct position beforehand.
5. Check that children and pets are wearing their seat belts. Before you start driving, make sure that children in your car are properly secured in their seats or have their seat belts on. Also, make sure your pets are in a cage and that cage is secured with a seat belt. By doing this, you can avoid reaching back to adjust your child's car seat or your pet's cage while you drive.
   • When driving with animals in the car, always make sure they are in a cage.

Method 2 of 4: Avoid physical and visual distraction

1. Avoid eating while driving. Since food tampering is a great distraction while driving, you shouldn't do this in the car, especially when it comes to foods that are messy. Instead, eat before you get behind the wheel or as soon as you reach your destination.
   • Make sure to place beverages, such as coffee, water, and soft drinks, in secure cup holders while driving to avoid spills.
2. Turn off your cell phone. Cell phones are also a major source of distraction in the car. Mute your mobile or put the device out of reach in your bag or glove compartment. In addition, take a look at the security settings of your phone. See if you can create a message that will automatically respond to incoming texts and calls as you send.
   • Some phones have features that turn off SMS and calling functions when the GPS is on.
3. Stand by the side of the road. Do this if there is an emergency and you need to take a call. If you have to eat on the go, make sure to stop for a while too. Plus, you should stop if you want to pay attention to children and pets along the way.
   • If you are on the highway or on a busy street, make sure you get off it before you stop by the road.Then choose a quieter street.

Method 3 of 4: Driving with passengers

1. Limit the number of passengers. Try to avoid driving with too many passengers, especially if you haven't had your driver's license for very long. Loud or talkative passengers can be a distraction in and of themselves. So try to drive with only one or two people at the same time.
   • For young drivers, the risk of an accident triples when driving with passengers who are peers versus driving alone.
2. Treat passengers wisely. When you have someone in the car, let them control the music, GPS and climate control. You can also let them answer your text messages or phone calls while you drive. Not only will this help you focus on the road, but it will also give your passengers something to do, rather than distract you. Let your passengers know in advance what their role is on the road.
   • For example: "Okay Kevin, since you are in the passenger seat, your main task is to turn the buttons and GPS, as well as answer texts and the phone so I can focus on the road".
3. Save serious conversations for later. Serious or stressful conversations can become emotional. When emotions run high, it is more difficult to focus on tasks (in this case, driving). Let your passenger know that you would like to talk, but would rather not do so when you are driving. This way you can focus on driving and give the conversation your full attention when you have time.
   • For example, you could say, "I want to talk to you about this, but now is not a good time because I'm behind the wheel." Let's wait to talk until we get to our destination safely. "
   • If the atmosphere heats up, park the car in a safe place to resolve the situation.

Method 4 of 4: Dealing with outside distractions

1. Don't worry about accidents. When approaching a car accident, it is a common mistake to slow down or stop to see what's going on. But this kind of behavior can lead to more accidents. Instead, keep your eyes on the road ahead and drive at a slower speed.
2. Do not look straight into the headlights of oncoming vehicles. Pay particular attention to this when you drive at night. The headlights of oncoming traffic can temporarily blind and disorient you. Instead, avert your eyes by looking down and to your right of the road until the car has passed.
   • You will still be able to see other cars around you with your peripheral vision.
3. Make sure your windshield is clean. Regularly clean the windshield inside and out with glass cleaner (about once or twice a month). Cleaning your windshield regularly can help reduce sun glare, which can be a distraction in itself.
   • You can also reduce the sun's glare by using your sunscreen and wearing sunglasses when it is very sunny outside.
4. Ignore angry drivers. When other drivers honk at you, cut you, or make inappropriate faces or gestures, try not to respond. Instead, you just ignore it and drive on.
5. If you want to look at the landscape, park your car. If you are driving along a scenic route and want to see the area, park in a safe place first. Looking at the scenery while driving is a major distraction and increases the risk of an accident.

Warnings

• Do not try to drive while you are tired. Instead, take a nap before hitting the road, especially if you have a long drive ahead of you. If you get tired while driving, park in a safe place to take a nap.