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How to Avoid Distracted Driving

3 Tips for Keeping Your Eyes on the Road in a Digital World

Forty-eight states have banned texting while driving, yet distracted driving is listed as a probable cause for an increase in the number of collisions each year. The following steps are potential safeguards for you to consider while driving:

Put Your Phone in a Distraction-Free Mode 

Adjust your phone’s settings so that you aren’t tempted to look at (or respond to) every buzzing, dinging or flashing notification. Try putting your phone into airplane mode while driving to your destination to eliminate all distractions. If putting your phone in airplane mode seems too severe, most phones have settings that will allow for media sound and major service providers offer a free app that will silence text alerts once your vehicle attains a certain speed, while still allowing GPS apps. 

Ask Your Passengers to Help 

When you are unable to turn off alerts completely, passengers can be a useful extra set of hands. Enlist your passengers as navigator or DJ so you can keep your focus on the road. 

However, regardless of whether your alerts are set to "on" and you are travelling alone, always remember that it only takes a second to change your life, so wait to text. 

W82txt

A curved road shown at night with the light from moving vehicles and the stars in the sky.

Did you know drivers normally spend five seconds looking at their phones when receiving a text? That's enough time to cover more than the length of a football field when traveling at highway speeds.

As part of our commitment to reduce distracted driving, Auto-Owners began the W82txt campaign, which attempts to increase awareness of the dangers of distracted driving through local advertising and education, as well as direct community engagement by local Auto-Owners agents.

*Products referenced may not be approved/available in all states. Limitations and conditions may apply. Premium will be based on benefits chosen and policy rates available at time of application.

Disclaimer: This article is not expert advice. The analysis of coverage is in general terms and is superseded in all respects by the Insuring Agreements, Endorsements, Exclusions, Terms and Conditions of the Policy. Some of the coverage mentioned in this material may not be applicable in all states or may have to be modified to conform to applicable state law. Some coverages may have been eliminated or modified since the publishing of this material. Discounts may not be available in all states. Limitations and conditions may apply. Premiums will be based on benefits chosen. Please check with your local Independent Auto-Owners Insurance Agent for details."

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