For National Safe Driving Week, Scrivens is dedicated to sharing tips, tricks, and advice for staying safe while on the road in Ottawa. One of the best ways to stay safe is to prevent distractions while driving.
Recent studies have found that talking on a cell phone while driving impairs one's ability even more than driving while intoxicated. Talking on a cell phone and other driver distractions pose a major threat to everyone on the road.
To minimize risks while driving, consider the following:
- Do not talk on your cell phone or any messaging apps.
- If you absolutely must conduct a conversation pull over to the side of the road or parking lot.
- Never touch up your makeup or hair.
- Limit your conversations with passengers and ask them to keep their voices down so you can concentrate.
- Do not smoke while you are driving, as you will likely pay more attention to not burning yourself or putting out the cigarette than driving safely.
- Only adjust the radio or CD player when you are completely stopped.
- Never allow pets to sit on your lap while driving.
- Do not eat or drink while driving.
- Avoid reading maps or directions. Instead, pull into a parking lot to get your bearings and determine where you need to go next to reach your final destination.
- Do not take notes or search for phone numbers.
- Bad weather, work zones, or heavy traffic all require your complete attention and have increased risk.
Allowing yourself to become distracted while driving can lead to dangerous, and even fatal consequence. Be a responsible motorist and make paying attention to the road your number one priority when you're behind the wheel.
