Staying safe on the road is important, but with today’s demands and technology it can be hard not to drive distracted. Between texts, emails and phone calls, it is very tempting to multitask while driving, even if you know it is dangerous.
However, more technology also means more improvements. New technology could have a positive influence on distracted driving and could actually help you avoid driving distracted, rather than contribute to it.
Hands-free talk
If you feel you absolutely need to answer a call, hands-free communication can help you drive more safely while talking on the phone. Hands-free talk features are available through most phones and many newer cars have hands-free links so you can answer your phone without taking your hands off the wheel at all.
Call blocking/muting
Perhaps safest of all is not using your phone at all while driving, but with constant notifications and updates, it can be hard to resist the temptation. To combat this, most cell phones now have call blocking or muting features. Many phones feature “do not disturb” modes that can mute incoming text and call notifications, so you are not distracted by your screen.
There are also a variety of apps you can install on your phone to further combat the temptation to use your phone while you drive.
Car safety upgrades
Many newer cars also have safety measures to combat distracted driving. Safety features in many newer model cars can detect when a driver is not paying enough attention to the road and redirect the car. Lane departure and forward-collision warnings, automatic breaking and other features can all help drivers stay safe if they do end up driving distracted.
Though all these technological advancements can help, you should not rely on them to keep yourself safe while driving. The most effective form of safe driving is vigilant, unencumbered driving.
