This month, we are bringing awareness to distracted driving. The Hands-Free law recently passed in Michigan, is to prevent distracted driving. Yet it is still important to remind ourselves of the dangers of distracted driving; besides that, it’s against the law.

What is considered distracted driving?

There are three main distractions: Visual, Manual, and Cognitive.

Visual is taking your eyes off the road. Manual is taking your hands off the wheel. While cognitive is taking your mind off the drive.

That means you cannot manually do any of the following on a cell phone or other electronic device while driving, according to the law:

  • Make or answer a telephone or video call.
  • Send or read a text or email message.
  • Watch, record, or send a video.
  • Access, read, or post to social media.
  • Browse or use the Internet.
  • Enter information into GPS or a navigation system.

“Texting is the most alarming distraction because it involves all three types of distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes,” michigan.gov writes.

We must take precautions to reduce distractions while driving. AAA has some tips to help ensure your safety on the road.

AAA’s Top 5 Tips for Helping to Reduce Driving

  1. Before you begin driving, plan your trip, program GPS systems, set mirrors and climate controls, etc.
  2. Familiarize yourself with the features of your vehicle’s equipment before you hit the road.
  3. Use message-taking functions and return calls when you’re stopped at a safe location.
  4. Whenever possible, ask passengers to help you perform activities that may be distracting.
  5. Secure mobile devices and any objects that may move and distract you while driving.

Protect loved ones from the dangers of distracted driving by reminding them to keep their eyes on the road. If your driver is texting or distracted, tell them to stop and focus on the road. Ask your friends and family to join you in pledging not to drive distracted.

Remeber don’t tempt fate, the text can wait. Go Hand-Free!

#JustDrive