The Glare - Tips

Glare Reduction
Whether you scored high or low on our distracted driving quiz, there’s always a way to lower the level of distraction in your car.

Different things can distract you at different stages of driving. Review each section to see if there are some ideas that might help you reduce the number of distractions on your next drive.

Before You Hit the Road
If you’re the type of person who listens to music when you drive, think about what you’re in the mood to hear and set it up while the car is still in park.

Get comfortable! Test the pedals to make sure you’re just the right distance away. Check your mirrors and the temperature settings, too.

Not absolutely sure where you’re headed? Re-read the directions and/or map before you leave to avoid surprises. Better yet, if you have a passenger joining you on the trip ask them to help by giving you the directions as you go.

If there’s something in the car you feel you might need while en route, move it as close to you as possible to avoid awkward and dangerous reaches across the passenger seat or into the back seat.

Are you okay to drive? It should go without saying that you should be sober and alert. But many people don’t realize that excitement, anger or sadness can also be a distraction when you’re behind the wheel. Bottom line – don’t drive if you’re not up to it emotionally or physically.

Do your kids have everything they need for the trip you’re about to take? Make sure they’re comfortable and have everything they’ll need in reach so that you won’t have to try to fix the situation while you drive.

Man’s best friend can quickly become man’s biggest distraction in the car. Make sure your pets are comfortable and secure before you start the trip. If your pet won’t stay put in the car, consider using a cage.

On the Go
One of the most important things to do while you’re driving is to forget everything else that’s going on except for driving. That means no mental grocery lists or rehashing the two-hour meeting you had with your boss. Thinking about these types of things takes too much attention away from driving.

Leave the lipstick and hairbrush in your purse. We all want to look our best, but personal grooming is something that you can do before you leave or when you arrive.

Drive-thru restaurants and coffee shops seem very convenient. But eating or drinking and driving don’t mix. Not only are you taking your hands off the wheel, you’re also taking your eyes off the road. If you’ve got a real craving, pull over and eat in the restaurant or when you arrive at your destination.

As eye-catching as billboards or other people's collisions might be, if you’re reading or rubber necking, who’s watching the road?

Intersections are hubs of activity where circumstances can change quickly. Pay close attention to the crosswalks. Even if you have the right of way, make sure it’s clear of cyclists and pedestrians before you proceed.

Most of us would find it awkward to sit in the car with other people and not say a word. But, when chatting with passengers remember that eye contact is not a good idea if you’re the driver – especially with people in the back seat.

Did you see what that driver just did? What’s going to happen next? Try not to care. If you’re watching someone else drive, you’re probably not doing the best possible job of driving yourself.

Babies will cry and brothers and sisters will fight. But, parents should remember that it’s safer for everyone if they pull over before they try to settle the situation.

On the Phone
Turning your cell phone off is the ideal solution, but it isn’t always realistic with our on-the-go lifestyle. If you have to talk on the phone, pull over.

Using a hands-free device will help keep your hands on the wheel. But, studies have shown that it doesn’t reduce the level of distraction – it’s the conversation that distracts the driver, not the phone.





Content and image source: www.theglare.ca