Knowing how dangerous distracted driving can be is one thing. Making sure you never do it is entirely another. The modern world is a distracting place and it can be really hard to give the road your full attention when driving.
The following tips cannot guarantee you will drive distraction-free, but they can certainly try to remove some of the common distractions that affect drivers.
Getting rid of your phone
If your phone is in your line of sight or if the volume is turned on so you can hear it, then there is a good chance it will distract you. Things such as hands-free systems are not a solution, they merely remove the need to hold the phone. But they still allow you to answer your phone and ring people, which can still be incredibly distracting.
Determining your route before you set out
You should not be programming your satnav or looking at a map or a sheet of directions while on the move as all will require you to remove your eyes from the road and at least one hand from the wheel. Far safer is to check out your route and program your satnav before turning the key to start the vehicle.
Making yourself comfortable
Modern cars come with a lot of options to improve the comfort of the driver and passengers. Yet to operate these things you need your hands and eyes. You can and should adjust your seat and mirrors while stationary and ideally set up your heating, air conditioning and music while stationary too.
Doing these things reduces the chance you causing a crash. It also increases the chance you can avoid a crash caused by a driver who is distracted. Nevertheless, there may still come a time when you need to learn how to claim compensation because you cannot account for all of other people’s mistakes.