Every year, cell phone use behind the wheel contributes to about 1.6 million crashes, many of which are preventable. In 2022 alone, 3,308 fatalities and 289,310 injuries were linked to distracted driving. Even truck drivers cause accidents by using phones behind the wheel. Unfortunately, truck accidents are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries, which means truck drivers especially need to break the habit.
Glancing at your phone while driving might seem harmless, but it’s far more dangerous than it seems. Just because you’ve never had an accident doesn’t mean it won’t happen. If it does and you hurt or kill someone else, the consequences will be severe.
If you think just one text is harmless, imagine driving through the length of a football field while blindfolded at 55 miles per hour. That’s how long your eyes are off the road typing a message. Breaking the habit of texting while driving can save lives, including yours.
Acknowledge the risk – you’re not immune
Breaking this bad habit starts with truth. Many drivers believe they’re an exception, but they’re not. Even a brief glance at your phone can impair your reaction time and contribute to an accident. When your mind is distracted, you’re driving while at a disadvantage, even if your hands are on the wheel. Hands-free calls aren’t even immune because your brain still drifts away from the road.
Identify what triggers you to pick up your phone
To break the habit of texting while driving, you first need to identify why you’re reaching for your phone. Are you bored while commuting to work? Are you cruising and just feeling relaxed? Are you triggered by the need to check notifications? Are you checking your route to see where you need to turn next?
Many people check their phone every time they receive a notification out of habit, while others feel anxious about missing something important. Identify whatever encourages you to pick up your phone or glance at the screen, and eliminate that to avoid being distracted. Ultimately, the best solution is to turn your phone off while you drive. Turning it on silent isn’t enough.
Remove the temptation
You can’t fight temptation when it’s easily accessible, so you’ll need to be proactive about removing your ability to give in. The most effective solution is to put your phone out of reach while you drive. Place it in the trunk, the back seat, your glove box, or in a Ziplock bag where you can’t reach it. When it’s truly inaccessible, you won’t reach for it unconsciously and you won’t have to rely on your willpower. Once you do it for a while, it will become a habit.
If you don’t want to turn your phone off or keep it out of reach, and remembering to turn airplane mode on and off is too much, try an app that automatically silences your texts and calls when you start driving. This solution is ideal for people who are only distracted and tempted by incoming notifications. If you like to initiate texts or calls, you’ll need a better plan.
Set up a reward system
Try having phone-free drives for a month and reward yourself when you achieve that goal. Go all out and track your progress with a poster board chart and stickers. It might sound silly, but it really works, and if it helps you stay safe on the road, it’s worth it.
Sign up for telematics through your insurance
Some insurance companies have programs that reward you for driving safely, including not using your phone while driving. If the tech likes the way you drive, you’ll get lower premiums for consistently safe driving behavior. There are a handful of companies that offer these discounts, and you can expect to save between 25-40% on your premiums.
Be present with the road
Distracted driving comes in all forms, not just text messages and phone calls. Avoiding your phone is just the first step to driving safely. Start making it a point to be present while you’re behind the wheel. Focus on the road and learn to enjoy the drive. That way, you won’t even miss your phone and you won’t feel the need to engage in any distractions.
Don’t wait for a wake-up call
Phone addiction is dangerous when you get behind the wheel. The consequences of a crash can be irreversible and devastating. Don’t wait for a close call or tragic accident to change your habits. Set boundaries, use smart technology, and create better habits to protect yourself and others on the road.
