Officers from local traffic units are out looking for distracted drivers, and in general they are not hard to find (i.e. the lady on her phone, the guy eating a burger, the kid texting,….).  The message here is to encourage you to beware of distracted driving since driving requires your full attention.  You can take charge of eliminating distractions to focus on the road ahead. 

Tips for Preventing Distracted Driving

• Fully focus on driving.  Do not let anything divert your attention, actively scan the road, use your mirrors and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Store loose gear, possessions, and other distractions that could roll around in the car, so you do not feel tempted to reach for them on the floor or the seat.
• Make adjustments before you begin your trip.  Address vehicle systems like your GPS, seats, mirrors, climate controls and sound systems before hitting the road.  Decide on your route and check traffic conditions ahead of time.
• Finish dressing and personal grooming at home – before you get on the road.
• Snack smart.  If possible, eat meals or snacks before or after your trip, not while driving. On the road, don’t eat, pull over for a snack.
• Secure children and pets before getting underway.  If they need your attention, pull off the road safely to care for them.  Reaching into the backseat can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
• Put aside your electronic distractions.  Don’t use cell phones while driving – handheld or hands-free.  Never use text messaging, email functions, video games or the internet with a wireless device, including those built into the vehicle, while driving.
• If you have passengers, enlist their help so you can focus safely on driving.
• If another activity demands your attention, instead of trying to attempt it while driving, pull off the road and stop your vehicle in a safe place.  To avoid temptation, power down or stow devices before heading out.
• Drivers should use caution while using voice-activated systems, even at seemingly safe moments when there is a lull in traffic or the car is stopped at an intersection, because potentially dangerous distractions can last longer than most drivers expect.

As a general rule, if you cannot devote your full attention to driving because of some other activity, it’s a distraction.  Take care of it before or after your trip, not while behind the wheel.