Lifestyle /
Distracted Texting And Defensive Driving
Whether you’re dealing with teenager or a multi-tasking mom, driving and texting is quickly to become a thing of the past – especially if you want to arrive in one piece on your next road trip.
Since October 26, 2009, drivers are not allowed to talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held cell phones and other hand-held communications and entertainment devices.
Before getting behind the wheel, use these tips to reduce preventable distractions:
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Eat/drink before you get in the car. It may not seem like much, but taking time to eat breakfast or a snack before you leave means you can concentrate on the road — and keep both hands on the wheel, where they should be.
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Turn off your cell phone or put it away.
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Pre-program radio stations, fill your CD deck, and/or choose your music playlist before you start the car.
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Prepare your children for the trip. When you buckle them in, make sure kids have easy access to any toys or snacks you want them to have on each leg of the trip. In-vehicle DVD players can be very distracting for the driver, but if you feel you must have one, have it installed out of sight of the driver and in a way that precludes operation by the driver while driving. If, during the drive, your young passengers begin to fight, cry, or ask for something, pull over at a safe time and place and tend to their needs while stopped.
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Finish your personal grooming before you leave home. Applying lipstick or tying your tie while driving is not only a two-handed distraction — it’s also a good way to injure yourself!
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Keep the conversation light and to a minimum. If you’re driving with a passenger, let them know their safety is your first priority, not your conversation.
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Secure loose items on your dash, rear view mirror or vacant seats. If you can’t secure these items, put them in your trunk, or leave them at home. Sharp turns or abrupt stops will cause these things to fly — creating a (noisy) distraction.
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Review maps and directions before leaving. If possible, ask a passenger to be your navigator so you can concentrate on the road while they read the map and watch for signs and landmarks.Fines of up to $500.00 can be levied against distracted drivers who test, type, email, dial or chat using a prohibited hand-held device.
Even though there is a “hands-free device” exemption be aware that distraction is a distraction with lives at risk.
So before you head reach for your cell phone as your cruise down the street, take a moment – can we emote a response when arrive safely at our destination?
PHOTO CREDITS:
Featured Pic:mobilesyrup.com
Source:
istracteddriving.caa.ca,
mto.gov.on.ca
safeandsobercanada.com/
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