Distracted Driving Awareness

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You may think you're "just multi-tasking" while you're driving, but texting, driving while impaired, listening to blaring music, fiddling with your maps app, or anything else you're doing while behind the wheel … are all distractions that keep you from focusing on the road ahead.

Did you know that every year, distracted drivers account for about 2.5 million car crashes worldwide? That's just not safe. So, do yourself, and everyone else a big favor, and choose to MULTI-TASK NO MORE! Choose to eliminate distractions and arrive alive.

Malouf Auto Group & Thunder 106 are providing the tips below with the hope that we can all drive saver and less distracted.

REMEMBER THESE IMPORTANT TIPS TO STAY FOCUSED ON THE ROAD AHEAD:

🚗 Tips To Avoid Distracted Driving 🚦

Staying focused on the road isn’t just about putting your phone down—it’s about managing every distraction. Here are key tips categorized by common distractions:

📱 1. Talking & Texting While Driving

  • Put Your Phone Away: Use “Do Not Disturb” mode or store your phone out of reach.
  • Use Voice Commands: If you must make a call, use hands-free or voice-assist features.
  • It Can Wait: No text or call is worth a life—pull over if it’s urgent.
  • Set Expectations: Tell friends and family you’ll respond once you’re parked.

Remember: “Your thumbs belong on the wheel, not the screen.”

🗣️ 2. Noise from Passengers

  • Set Ground Rules: Ask passengers to keep noise levels down and minimize disruptions.
  • Engage Designated Co-Pilots: Let a passenger handle the GPS, music, or phone calls.
  • Avoid Arguments: Emotional conversations can be just as distracting as a phone call.

Remember: “Every voice matters, but not every voice needs to talk while you drive.”

🎵 3. Radio and Music Volume

  • Keep It Down: Loud music prevents you from hearing sirens, horns, or other road signals.
  • Pre-Set Playlists: Choose your music or podcast before driving to avoid mid-drive browsing.
  • No Fiddling While Driving: Adjusting stations or volume can be just as dangerous as texting.

Remember: “Turn down the volume, turn up your focus.”

🗺️ 4. GPS and Navigation Systems

  • Set Directions Before Driving: Enter your destination before you hit the road.
  • Use Voice-Guided Directions: Rely on audio cues rather than glancing at the screen.
  • Mount Your Device Properly: Place your GPS at eye level to reduce head-turning.

Remember: “Your focus is your map—follow it.”

🍔 5. Eating and Drinking While Driving

  • Plan Ahead: Eat before your drive or pull over to eat.
  • Secure Drinks: Use spill-proof containers and cup holders.
  • Avoid Messy Foods: One dropped fry shouldn’t cost a life.

Remember: “Meals are for tables, not dashboards.”

😴 6. Drowsy Driving

  • Know the Signs: Frequent yawning, drifting lanes, or heavy eyelids mean it’s time to stop.
  • Take Breaks: On long trips, stop every two hours to rest.
  • Share the Drive: Rotate drivers on road trips.

Remember: “Tired eyes can’t see danger—rest before you drive.”

🧠 7. Mental Distractions

  • Stay Present: Avoid thinking about work, arguments, or other stressful situations while driving.
  • Take a Deep Breath: If you feel distracted, pull over briefly to refocus.
  • Avoid Emotional Driving: Strong emotions can impair your ability to focus.

Remember: “Your mind should be where your wheels are.”

✅ General “Driven to Safety” Checklist Before Driving:

  • 📵 Phone set to ‘Do Not Disturb’
  • 🗺️ GPS ready with destination entered
  • 🎵 Music preset and volume adjusted
  • 👥 Passengers briefed on safe driving behavior
  • 🥤 Food and drinks secured
  • 🧠 Mental focus in check

Final Reminder: “Safety isn’t just about reaching your destination—it’s about how you get there.”

Visit https://www.nj.gov/oag/hts/distracted-driving.html to learn more

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