Avoid distracted driving with tips from HiRoad customers

Let’s start with some news you may not be aware of—April is Driving Distracted Awareness Month. It’s a month to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and help eliminate preventable deaths and injuries on the road. How dangerous is distracted driving? The

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2019, distracted driving resulted in 3,142 deaths on the road. In our book, that’s too many. No one should lose their life or the life of a loved one to distracted driving. 

So what steps are we taking as an auto insurer that can help contribute to safer roads? And what can you do to limit distractions behind the wheel? At HiRoad, we recognize that driving distraction-free is easier said than done. The kids in the back seat vying for your attention, the audible ping of the text message that just hit your phone and even that take-out order in the passenger seat begging to be tasted. It can be tough—but is it worth your life? Or putting someone else at risk? We don’t think so. 

We believe that good choices behind the wheel should be rewarded. Distraction Free is one of our Driving Scores in the HiRoad app. When you ignore that text or wait until you get home to eat that dinner, you’re taking the high road, and you can save money on your next monthly bill. 

Distraction-free driving.

Safer roads. 

Big rewards. 

That sounds like a win-win in our book. And although the month of April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, driving distraction-free is a lifelong commitment. To help you stay committed, we’re sharing the experiences of three HiRoad customers. They've discovered a few tips for driving less distractedand how the HiRoad app has helped them to be more mindful and safe behind the wheel. 

What do you think distracted driving is?

“Distracted driving can take a few forms. Most commonly it is staring at your phone, texting while driving, or scrolling through apps (social media or streaming). It can also take the form of talking on the phone while you are driving. The simple answer or what this all boils down to, is anything that takes your focus off the road and your surroundings.” – Davide G.

“Distracted driving to me is when you are not focused 100% when behind the wheel. You are distracted by your phone, car media, other passengers or what is occurring out on the road.” – Kelly F.

“Distracted-free driving is making sure you are completely focused on the road and your surroundings. Not using any devices or giving into distractions. I think people often think it means they can't listen to music or podcasts while driving but it just means doing it in a safe, distraction-free way.” – Chris L.

How has the HiRoad app helped you become less distracted behind the wheel?

“By incentivizing not interacting with my phone with rewards/discounts, I have learned alternative ways to do things. For example, plugging in a destination before starting the trip, using handsfree/voice commands to answer calls or skip a song, and even making sure to just cradle my phone [in a car phone holder] to avoid picking it up.” – Davide G.

“Knowing that when I physically touch my phone while driving it will cause my score to drop a few points which may cause a decrease in rewards that month is definitely a motivator for me to not touch my phone! It also serves as a reminder to keep my focus in the present moment which is to focus on just the act of driving itself and nothing else.” – Kelly F.

“It has helped me become more mindful of things that I wouldn't previously consider distractions. Growing up everyone is told, texting while driving is bad but we aren't made aware of little things like using your phone for just a quick second to look at something or even to look up a phone number and then dial it. Though these little actions can have big consequences. The app makes me think, “Am I being a mindful driver if I do this?”” – Chris L.

If you could only give another driver one distraction-free tip, what would it be?

“Holster your phone and learn to use voice commands.” – Davide G. 

“Use your phone's settings like 'Do Not Disturb' to be implemented automatically while driving. This will help keep notifications at bay to help you truly have a distraction-free drive!” – Kelly F.

“One tip that I would give to other drivers, and I do give to other people all the time is remember the little things. For example, we might not think changing playlists or re-routing our GPS while driving is a big distraction but they are still distractions that can lead to accidents. To help people with this, I always suggest if it's really important, pull over to the side of the road or make sure to get everything ready before driving.” – Chris L.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with HiRoad®. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. HiRoad is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. HiRoad makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.