Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is in the news, in the legislature and on everyone’s mind these days. “Distracted driving” was Webster’s Dictionary 2009 Word of the Year. What is distracted driving? Webster’s defines it as “use of a cellphone or other portable electronic device while operating a motor vehicle”.

What can you do to avoid distracted driving?

1. Turn your cell phone/pager/dvd player/other device OFF!

2. Or use a hands free device. Although this solution does not eliminate distraction, it will allow you to respond without having to look away from the road or remove your hands from the wheel.

3. Pull over to call and text.

4. Ask a passenger to handle calls for you.

5. Install software on your phone that automatically starts when you drive, and responds to calls and texts on your phone with a message that you are driving and will get back to the caller later. One good example of this is ZoomSafer. ZoomSafer is easy-to-use software that helps ensure safe and legal use of mobile phones while driving. ZoomSafer is the practical answer to the problem of distracted driving; it activates automatically when you start to drive and applies customizable safe driving policies to help protect you, your family, or your employees. And now you can get a free Blackberry Smartphone with ZoomSafer installed from DefensiveDriving.com.

Whatever solution you employ, be aware of where you are. Many cities now have laws against texting while driving.