Bringing a car to the shop for auto collision damage happens for practically all drivers at some point. However, it's better to visit a body shop for a random ding than because of a wreck caused by distracted driving. Unfortunately, around 90 percent of car crashes are the direct result of an inattentive driver. To ensure you and your loved ones are safe, here are a few suggestions for curbing distracted driving habits.

What You Should Not Do on the Road

1. Texting or Talking on the Phone

Smartphones are devices that improve lives in many ways. However, there is a correct time and place for using your phone, and that is not while driving. In 2013, The National Safety Council reported that cell phone usage was the cause of 1.1 million crashes—341,000 were a direct result of texting. If you have a problem with phone usage while in the car, consider installing a cell phone blocking app that uses your GPS to tell when you are driving and blocks calling and texting ability.

2. Eating Food or Drinking

With fast-food chains everywhere, eating in the car seems natural. However, doing so not only pulls your mental and visual focus from the road, but you also have to remove one or both hands. This process makes eating while driving almost as dangerous as your phone. Break this habit and avoid auto collision damage by eating before or after your trip, and if you plan to drive for a while, eat your meal inside the restaurant or pull over somewhere safe.

3. Applying Makeup or Grooming

Your eyes should be on the road while driving, only glancing at your rearview or side mirrors for brief periods. Putting on makeup or performing other grooming pulls your attention away for much longer. Remember, when you are driving at 70 mph, each second is one hundred feet traveled. So, it may not seem like a long time, but it's plenty to rear-end a car you didn't see pull out or change lanes. Avoid this auto collision damage and potential injuries by doing your makeup at home or waiting until you're safely parked.

When you've suffered auto collision damage, bring your vehicle to Crone's Auto Body. This third-generation, family-owned business provides car painting and collision repair services to Independence, KY. When you bring your car in, their technicians will perform a full damage assessment using state-of-the-art diagnostic and structural repair equipment to restore it to factory specifications. Call them today at (859) 356-1800 to schedule an estimate, and visit their website to learn more about their services.