Distracted Driving – avoid becoming a statistic

 

We all know that using a phone or other electronic devices while driving is dangerous. Yet the stats show that we continue to do it, with recent studies showing that:

- 61 per cent of drivers report using mobile a phone while driving

- 30 per cent admit to reading text messages

- 16 per cent admit to sending them

- Nearly a third of iPad owners use them while driving

Banning phone use in cars is not a solution – in countries where this has happened, the problem persists. So the answer lies in safer use of the technology in cars.

Here’s our quick guide to safer driving with mobiles and other devices:

1) Get a hands free kit that allows your phone or device to be held securely, and allows for voice-dialling, one touch answer/reject calls and auto-muting of music when calls come in so that you don’t need to be distracted when a call comes through

2) Be aware that, even with a hands free kit, the act of talking on the phone can take your attention away from the road. Follow these tips to minimise the risk, and if in doubt, you can always call back later!

  - Don’t call in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions

  - Don’t engage in complex or emotional conversations

  - Use message services to answer calls

  - Never take notes, look up phone numbers, read or send SMS

 

3) If you don’t have a hands-free kit, turn your phone off, put it on silent or keep in out of reach so you won’t be tempted to answer it on the move.

 

View our range of hands free car kits for phones

Are you an iPhone user? View our iPhone Car Kit range

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