Mindful driving habits can help prevent distracted driving

Imagine this: You’re driving back from the grocery store after finding a rare deal on the cheapest eggs in town. A text pops up on your phone. You think, “A quick peek won’t hurt.” You look down and your best friend has sent you a meme so outrageous you’re compelled to respond. 

Just as you start typing the “L” in “LOL” the car in front of you slams on the brakes. Tires screech, you come to a stop, narrowly avoiding a collision. However, your carton of eggs has flown from the top of a bag in the backseat and smashed all over the inside of your windshield. You quite literally (and idiomatically) have egg on your face.

Distracted driving is a serious problem

Split-second distractions like texting can cause crashes. According to the NHTSA,

distracted driving contributes to roughly 10% of all traffic fatalities each year.

Yet, many drivers are convinced a quick glance won’t make a difference. The reality? Even a moment of distraction can total your car, or cause the loss of a small fortune in breakfast protein. 

Understanding distracted driving

There’s no better time to check in on your driving habits than the present. Glancing at notifications, switching playlists, or zoning out during your commute all reduce focus and increase risk.

The good news? Small adjustments make a big difference. The first step is recognizing what pulls your attention away from the road.

Three types of driving distractions

1. Taking your eyes off the road

Visual distractions pull focus away from what’s ahead. Common culprits:

• Checking your phone

• Looking at a GPS screen

• Adjusting the stereo or climate controls

• Turning to talk to a passenger

HiRoad tip: Set up your GPS and playlists before you start driving. Use voice commands if possible.

2. Taking your hands off the wheel

Manual distractions happen when you physically remove your hands from the wheel. Examples include:

• Reaching for your phone

• Eating or drinking

• Adjusting your seat or mirrors

HiRoad tip: Adjust your seat, set your climate controls, and keep essentials within reach before you start driving.

3. Taking your mind off driving

Even with your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, your mind can wander. Mental distractions include:

• Daydreaming or zoning out

• Stress or emotional distractions

• Fatigue or drowsiness

• Overthinking work or personal tasks

HiRoad tip: Try mindfulness techniques before driving, like deep breathing or a quick mental check-in. If you’re tired, rest before you leave.

How to build mindful driving habits

Safe driving is something you can actually practice, kind of like yoga. Here are a few simple ways to help stay safer behind the wheel.

Use technology wisely

Your phone, usually the MVP of causing distraction, can help you stay focused when set up correctly:

• iOS Focus Mode (Driving Focus): Silences notifications automatically

• Android Driving Mode: Reads messages aloud and limits alerts

Enable these settings before your next drive. Future you will be grateful.

Set small reminders

Reinforce safe driving habits with visual and mental cues:

• Choose a playlist that makes you feel happy and calm

• Say a mantra before driving: "I will drive safely and mindfully"

• Think of someone who wants you to get home safe

Plan ahead for smarter smartphone use

If you need your phone while driving:

• Pull over in a safe location before checking it

• Use hands-free voice commands

• Set up auto-replies to let people know you’re on the road

The easiest way to avoid temptation? Keep your phone out of reach. Even a quick glance can be dangerous. So toss it in the glovebox until you park. 

Drive with awareness

At HiRoad, we celebrate responsible drivers who build good habits. Stay mindful, stay aware, and enjoy the journey. Because when you focus on the road ahead, you make things better for yourself and those around you.

Before you start the car, take a moment to set up your tech, clear your mind, and drive with intention. A little focus goes a long way. It might just save your car (and your eggs) from an unfortunate scramble.

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.