Texting and driving is one of the biggest causes of auto accidents. Phones are made to draw users’ attention, which is dangerous while people are driving.
If you want to reduce the number of texting-and-driving accidents should consider doing the following:
Silence your phone
Most phones have the option to silence notifications – this is often the first defense against texting and driving accidents. When a phone is silenced, calls, texts and notifications are muted and can only be seen when the user looks at their phone. This is one of the best options for drivers who are expecting calls or texts but who don’t want to end up in a distracted driving accident. Your phone may also have a “Do Not Disturb” setting that will automatically let people know that you’re temporarily unable to be contacted.
Put your phone out of reach
Texting and driving is a habit that is hard to break. People who struggle to step away from their phones may need to take additional measures to prevent texting and driving accidents. If silencing the phone doesn’t work, drivers may consider putting their phones in a place where they can not easily reach. Many drivers put their phones in their bags or gloveboxes. Or, drivers can place their phone in their trunk to help prevent any temptation to reach for the phone.
Turn off your phone
If all else fails, users can turn off their phones. This helps drivers since many phones take several seconds before they turn back on, which may be enough time for drivers to reconsider their actions. Many phones still receive calls and texts when the phone is shut down, but the user won’t see anything until the phone is turned back on.
If you’re injured because another driver can’t seem to put their phone aside for a while, it may be time to seek legal guidance.