For most professionals, driving is an essential part of daily life. Whether you’re commuting to work, leaving for the day or heading out to lunch, safe driving should always be a top priority.
At Kansas Builders Insurance Group (KBIG), we believe in promoting not only the safety of our members but also the safety of everyone on the road. One of the biggest threats to road safety today is distracted driving. Check out these dos and don’ts of safe driving and see how you can protect yourself and others by avoiding dangerous distractions.
Do’s of Safe Driving
Plan Your Drive Ahead of Time
- Set your GPS, adjust your radio and organize any other necessary items before you start driving.
Properly Prep Your Car Before Driving
- Before driving, conduct an initial inspection of the vehicle, including checking tire pressure, wiper blades, lights, mirrors and breaks.
- Check your surroundings before putting your car in drive.
- Make sure your mirrors are correctly aligned to view surrounding traffic adequately.
Always Use Your Seatbelt
- Ensure your seatbelt is securely fastened before driving. Make sure all passengers in your car also properly use their seatbelts.
Obey All Traffic Signs
- Follow traffic signs, including speed limits, and drive slower in bad weather.
Don’ts of Safe Driving
Don’t Use Your Phone When Behind the Wheel
- Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving. Always pull over and have the car in park when answering any conversations on the phone.
Avoid Multitasking While Driving
- Don’t eat or drink while driving.
- Don’t adjust the radio or navigation system while driving.
Don’t Drive While Tired or Under the Influence
- Don’t drive drowsy. Get enough rest every day to avoid drowsiness and get a good night’s sleep before a long car trip.
- Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or certain prescription drugs.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents and fatalities on the road. The NHTSA estimates that nearly half a million people are injured and more than 3,000 die annually in crashes involving a distracted driver.
This type of dangerous driving involves any nondriving activity that takes the driver’s attention from the primary task of operating the vehicle and increases the risk of crashing. There are three main types of distraction:
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: taking your mind off your driving
Some common activities that can distract a driver include using a cell phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers and changing the radio – but the most dangerous of all is texting. Texting involves all three types of distraction – visual, manual and cognitive. In fact, drivers who text while behind the wheel are 20 times more likely to get into an accident than nondistracted drivers.
Steer Clear with KBIG
Safe driving is a shared responsibility. By remaining attentive and avoiding distractions, you contribute to the safety of yourself, your passengers and everyone else on the road. At KBIG, we are committed to supporting the safety and success of our members. Let’s work together to make our roads safer and eliminate the dangers of distracted driving.
Check out our safety resources for more tips on driving safety. Contact us to see how we can support your success and worksite safety.
