Avoiding Distractions Behind the Wheel

According to a University of Utah study, drivers talking on cell phones are as impaired as those driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% — the legal limit for driving under the influence. With April designated as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, here are five tips to help keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road to enjoy a safer driving experience:

1. Turn off your phone in the car. Even a hands-free phone is a distraction.

2. Use apps that block text messages and monitor smartphone use while the car is moving.

3. Use a voice-activated GPS to avoid looking at an onscreen map and program it before you leave the driveway.

4. Never reach down or behind the driver's seat for a fallen object while your car is moving. Pull over when it's safe, then look for the item.

5. Don't eat or drink while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates doing so increases the risk of having an accident by up to 80.

NJM Insurance Group’s Commitment to Safety

NJM’s enduring commitment to safety can be traced back to our earliest days — with a focus that has expanded from improving conditions in manufacturing facilities to helping keep customers safe on the roads and at home. NJM is a leader in personal and commercial auto, homeowners, and workers’ compensation insurance.

References:

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Distracted Driving,” https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.

2. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month,” https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/get-involved/distracted-driving-awareness-month.

3. “Three Types of Driving Distractions,” https://www.dmv.org/distracted-driving/three-types-of-distractions.php.