Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle accidents. Cognitive, visual, and manual distractions can cause drivers to lose focus, take their eyes off the road, and remove their hands from the steering wheel. By avoiding distracted driving, you can reduce the chance for accidents, injuries, and damage to your vehicle and others, as well as help maintain affordable insurance rates.

How to Prevent Distracted Driving

1. Don't Text and Drive

Cell phones are one of the biggest distractions for drivers, so don't send text messages, look at emails, or check the internet while you’re driving. Put your phone in the glove box or back seat to avoid temptation. Silence all notifications and use an app to send out automatic responses to incoming texts to let people know you are driving. Getting a ticket for texting while driving can cause affordable insurance to quickly become costly.

2. Plan Ahead

Know where you are going and plan the route before you leave. Search your phone, review a paper map, or program your navigation system before driving. If you get lost or need to look up directions, have a passenger use the map or pull off the road when necessary. Also, adjust your mirrors, radio, and other controls before you hit the road.

3. Stay Focused

Safe driving demands your full attention and focus. Various factors can distract you while driving. Thinking about problems at the office, talking to other passengers in the car, using hands-free technology, driving while drowsy, and, of course, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can all cause your mental focus to wane.

4. Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Phones aren’t the only visual distraction to drivers. Adjusting the air conditioner or heater, applying makeup in the mirror, changing the radio station, or looking into the backseat can all be dangerous. Eating while driving is also one of the primary reasons drivers take their hands off the wheel. When possible, eat before you get in the car, or pull off to a rest stop or parking lot if you need a snack.

5. Take a Distracted Driving Course Online

The National Safety Council® and other organizations offer distracted driving courses online to help prevent distracted driving. Participants learn about the impact of distracted driving and how to change their bad driving habits. Everyone knows at-fault accidents can increase affordable insurance rates, but getting a distracted driving ticket can cause rates to skyrocket as well.

Alcorn Insurance Agency is a reliable, independent insurance agency located in Chama, NM. They offer quotes for auto, business, home, liability, and life insurance. Their knowledgeable customer service representatives are eager to answer all your questions. Visit their website for more information or call (575) 756-1102 to speak to an agent today about affordable insurance.