In our fast-paced, social media obsessed world, it is tempting to scroll through TikTok or send a quick text while driving. However, what seems like seconds looking down on your phone can have serious consequences – not just for you, but for everyone else on the road.
The app-session is real
We have all been there. A notification pings and suddenly a trending dance challenge seems too good to resist. But taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds can turn a fun distraction into a life changing mistake.
Did you know that texting while driving increases your chances of an accident?
- Texting while driving is six times more likely to lead to an accident than driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Further, male drivers are more likely to use a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel than women (1.7% compared with 1.3%) according to a factsheet from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
- Using a phone behind the wheel makes you four times more likely to be in a crash, says road safety charity Brake.
- The RAC found that almost half (47%) of drivers aged 25-34 admit that they make or receive calls while driving, compared with just 25% among all age groups…
- Between 2014 and 2019, a total of 133 fatalities and 446 serious accidents were directly linked to drivers being distracted by their phones – that’s an average of one major incident every three days!
Stay safe on the road – your followers can wait but your safety can’t
Here are some top tips to drive safely with your phone in the car:
- Put the phone down. Commit to not using your phone while driving and even consider using your “Do not Disturb” feature to silence your notifications.
- Plan Ahead. If you need to check your phone to check directions, pull over safely before doing so.
- Use your Passengers. If you have people in the car, let them handle your phone while you focus on the road.
- Use your technology wisely. If you need your phone while driving, opt in for a hands-free device that allows you to keep focus on your driving.
Conclusion
The next time you think about reaching for your phone while driving, remember the ripple effects it can cause. It’s not just your life at risk, it is the lives of everyone around you. Keep the roads safe – drive smart, stay focused and save the TikTok scrolling for when you’re parked. Your safety and the safety of others depends on it!
