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“Driving shouldn’t be a secondary task…it should be the only task.”
You may not realize it, but there is quite a bit of research behind each of my posts. Every post you see on this site was specifically selected from hundreds of other topics and ideas that could have appeared in it’s place. I am very purposeful about the content that does and does not appear, so that each post is relevant, accurate, informative, and compelling.
This month is National Safe Driving Month, and while researching the topic, I happened upon a site called Distraction.gov. As I began reading the stories…the faces of distracted driving…I felt convicted…guilty of driving distracted. I spent a lot of time on the site and picked up just a few tips and bits of information about distracted driving.
When I think of distracted driving, I think of using a mobile phone. However, eating, drinking, reading a map/GPS, and even talking are all behaviors that distract a driver from the task at hand. Here are some of the things I do before getting behind the wheel.
1. I ensure I know exactly where I’m going. Sometimes that means inputting the address into the GPS prior to starting the car. If I do end up getting lost, I pull over and re-orient myself with the GPS.
2. I ensure my bluetooth device is charged and turned on. In the event I do receive a call, I don’t have to reach for the phone.
3. I ensure that I’ve made all important phone calls ahead of time. Looking down for even a second to dial could be disastrous.
4. I ensure I’ve made all necessary adjustments. I find my radio station or CD, adjust all mirrors, and make sure the temperature is appropriate.
Two things that I need to start doing include placing my purse and phone in the backseat, and stopping to sit down and eat rather than trying to attempt this in the car.
A few years back, many states, including California, established a hands-free law, which means that it is illegal for a driver to operate a mobile phone and a vehicle at the same time. My bluetooth devices have been invaluable for those important calls to my husband about schedules, our children, or dirctions but I want to commit to spending less time driving and talking.
As part of National Safe Driving Month, Motorola Mobility is rewarding drivers who commit to responsible driving behavior through its Responsibility on the Road program. Selected montorists who follow their state and local hands-free laws will be provided Bluetooth devices and all drivers can take advantage of their online resources.
If you visit Motorola’s Facebook page, you can take the Responsibility on the Road pledge and receive 50% off select hands-free devices. Through the end of June, Motorola will also host Responsibility on the Road events to help provide education regarding hands-free laws.
If you remember, I recently reviewed Motorola’s Roadster, an in-car speakerphone which enables drivers to communicate hands-free. You can revisit my complete review here.
I took the pledge to drive hands (and distraction) free. Will you?
For information on hands-free laws specific to your state, visit Motorola.
Win It! One of you will win a Motorola Roadster. Simply leave me a comment with a tip for driving distraction-free. Comments will close on July 13th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.
US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
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No compensation was received for this post. Giveaway item supplied by Motorola.
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One thing I try to do is make sure my kiddo has the necessary items he might need- sippy, snacks, and toy before I start driving. I also make sure I have things like sunglasses where I know they are so I can grab them without taking my hands off the road.
My little one has all he needs at his side so he can take care of himself and keep me distraction free.
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I make sure to pull over whenever the kids need something, so I’m not driving and trying to take care of them at the same time
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I like your blog on facebook.
If you don’t have a hands-free device – don’t panic when your cell phone rings. For the most part most calls aren’t emergencies anyway, when safe, pull over, park and call the person back.
rmelton[at]hotmail[dot]com
Folow you on Twitter – @4emsmom – and tweeted:
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rmelton[at]hotmail[dot]com
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Drive distraction free by turning off the phone.
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i make sure the kids know that I am not answering any questions, moderating any fights etc while I am driving
http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/86280477719273472 tweet
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Sometimes you just have to learn to ignore things. If you can’t ignore your phone, turn it off. You probably won’t be driving that long anyway.
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For me it is make sure that my son has his juice, toys and a snack before i take off.
asha.marie@Hotmail.com
i follow you on twitter
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i like this review . giveaway on fb
Use the bluetooth and buy a ford with sync!
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mikeanderson203(at)juno(dot)com
Never turn on your phone in the car.
I keep my phone in my purse in the back seat so I don’t have it next to me to get and use! Thanks for the chance.
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You covered most of the great tips, The only other tip I can think of is to not get behind the wheel when you are upset. That is a big distraction.
stanleybilly(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I follow rockin mama on fb as charline stanley
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I always make sure my daughter has what she needs in the car before hand…Like a drink, snack etc
kport207 at gmail dot com
I like you on FB as Kathleen Porteous
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Keep the radio down
Keep your blue tooth charged so you dont have to answer your phone while driving.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
I turn off my cell phone to drive distraction free.
I think people forget that they are supposed to continuously check all their mirrors while driving. I think it would be hard to get distracted if you’re busy paying attention to what other drivers are doing.
If I need to make or answer a call, I pull over first. (On surfaces streets; on the freeway the phone is just a no-no.) Or if there’s another adult in the car, they handle all phone calls while I’m driving.
Shut your phone off when you get in the car. Trust me, you aren’t that important
I make sure my boys have everything they need nearby and when they need me to get something, I make sure to pull over and stop the car.
nlevdan3 at yahoo dot com
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I always pack plenty of snacks and toys.
I make sure that my kids are fed, have gone potty, and happy before getting into the car. This helps ensure a less distracting drive.
I follow on twitter and tweeted here!
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Keep the cell phone on silent! Thats me!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to drive hands free!
There isn’t a phone call worth losing your life over…or someone else’s!
My best tip especially with the kids in the car is talk to your kids before driving. Give them a lecture explaining that mommy needs quiet in order to drive safely. it works most of the time
My kids know that if they need something they need to wait until I am at a red light.
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My tip is don’t eat while driving-it’s very distracting!
smchester at gmail dot com
I think turning your radio down is a good way to keep the distraction level down. With the radio down you can hear what you need to hear to even tell if something is wrong.
I follow Rockin Mama on twitter as doozercries and tweeted here;
https://twitter.com/#!/doozercries/status/89050727544139777
Pull over if it’s safe to do so and then take care anything that might distract you.
Keep all your attention on the road.
I tell the kids that they can’t fight or throw things. If they start getting really loud, I give them a warning and then will pull over.
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Follow you on Twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/chipdip2010/status/89517303988887552
pull over when you have to do something
My tip is to turn your phone off when driving.
austma7@aol.com
Leave your cell phone in the back seat or trunk so that you aren’t tempted by it.
make sure you have things you need at your fingertips instead of burried in your purse. like sunglasses, breath mints, water bottle, etc easily accessible.
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Each of my children have a backpack that they take with them when we are in the car.
It is filled with their things such as games, dvd’s , books etc which keep them occupied and quite while I am driving.
It also makes for a lot more pleasant ride for all of us.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I am a fan via Facebook as Jill Myrick.
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i will not awnser the phone at all while driving nothing is that important that it cant wait till i pull over
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Most times, I don’t answer my phone if I am driving, and I never call anyone until I have pulled over to do it.
My wife and I ‘always’ turn off our phones when driving! The ‘simpliest’ way to avoid an accident while driving!
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For me I get a lot of important calls so I just have to ignore my phone while I’m driving and call them back later
No driving and texting is a commandment!
Driving with kids in the car can cause some distraction. I make sure they have a few toys/books to keep them busy.
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A good idea is to watch and have your kids watch the videos online of what happens when you drive distracted. They can scare you away from making that mistake.
My best tip is to leave all electronic devices in your purse or in the back seat so you don’t even get tempted to use them on the road. Thank you for the lovely giveaway.
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I try to set the ipod on a playlist so i’m not fooling with the stereo.
http://twitter.com/#!/sunshyne1977/status/90989821182492672
Turn off your cell phone and make sure you create a calm environment so that the kids know the car is not the place to be rambunctious.
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Out your phone away while driving.
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/yadgirl/status/91024079074766848
I always make sure my headset is charged and on auto answer
itsjustme62613 at gmail.com
keep your cell phone in the glovebox its too far to reach while driving
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Driving Distraction free for me is easiest when I try to ignore my text messages going off. It would be easy to pick it up and take a looksy, but a few seconds with my eyes off the road could be catastrophic.
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I keep my purse, with my cell, makeup and any other distractings things in my backseat.
I leave the radio fiddling up to hubby and focus on driving.
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I think that it is important not to eat while driving, if you either drop it, spill it or maybe start choking on whatever you are eating it will cause you to lose your focus on your driving
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I try to stay focused and not multi task when driving
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My tip for driving distraction-free is I make sure my kids have their games/coloring book or just whatever they might want to play with. I also make sure they use the restroom before leaving the house so they are not saying they have to go potty.
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one tip for driving distraction free is to make sure to remember that driving is our number one priority
tip – dont have the radio on loud and always beware of railroad tracks that may cross roadways or paths
I turn off my phone when I’m driving.
Like you on FB Susan Smith
I actually turn off my phone when driving if I am not driving a long distance.
Follow you on Twitter (dawnie1973) and I tweeted:
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Keep your pets in the back seat NOT on your lap or next to you!
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I make sure that the kids have what they need with tthem and they know when I am driving it’s quite inside voices and all problems will be taken care of when the car stops unless of course it’s someone getting sick or something like that then I safely pull over right away.
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One thing is to pull over for phone calls that are going to distract you, even if you have a bluetooth. Or to tell the person that you are on the road and need to call back later.
My tip is Don’t talk on your cell phone at all when driving.
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If you must use your phone, pull over.
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I don’t even drive with the radio on as I find it distracting so shut off the radio if you need to
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I follow you on Twitter and I Tweeted.
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Don’t let your children eat in the car. Eat in the restaurant or bring take out home.
If driving with kids make sure you have something to keep them occupied! Who needs screaming while driving!
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