Avoid distracted driving

When most of us think about distracted driving, texting and cell phone use are the first things that come to mind. 

Michigan law prohibits all drivers from reading, manually typing or sending a text message while driving. And under Kelsey’s Law, if you have a Level 1 or Level 2 license, you are prohibited from initiating a call, answering a call, or listening to or engaging in verbal communication through a mobile phone. 

A cell phone, however, is not the only thing that can distract a driver. Distracted driving also includes eating, shuffling/streaming music, talking to or interacting with passengers and other activities. Distractions such as these are especially dangerous for inexperienced drivers.

Anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel or your mind off your driving is a problem. Studies show that your brain cannot give full attention to more than one activity at a time. Even seemingly simple tasks such as adjusting the radio can be risky, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic. 

If you are driving at a speed of 65 mph, in the estimated quarter of a second it takes the brain to shift attention between two tasks (e.g. changing music on your iPhone and driving), you just drove 24 feet as if your eyes were closed.

There are things you can do to avoid driving distracted even before you get behind the wheel, such as:

• Designate a front-seat passenger to serve as a “copilot” to help with maps or navigation systems. If you are driving alone, map out destinations in advance or use a navigation app that gives verbal directions.
• Be familiar with equipment in the vehicle. Practice performing basic functions such as adjusting the temperature or radio settings without taking your eyes off the road.
• Pre-program your favorite radio stations for easy access and connect any music streaming devices you use before you begin driving.
• Ensure all children are comfortable and properly buckled up. Teach them the importance of good behavior and remaining buckled up while in a vehicle. Do not underestimate how distracting it can be to tend to them in the car.
• Complete any personal grooming before you start driving or after you reach your destination.

For more information on distracted driving, please visit the SOS Distraction-Free Detroit Resources page.

"Safe driving involves more than learning the basics of operating a vehicle and memorizing the rules of the road. Safe driving also requires good judgment and reflexes, experience, patience and common sense." Ruth Johnson Secretary of State

Parents:
Be a driving role model

Children copy their parents' behavior, so your driving should set a good example for your teen to imitate. Be sure that you:

• Obey all traffic laws.
• Correct any unsafe driving habits such as driving aggressively, speeding, accelerating through yellow lights, etc.
• Refrain from using your cell phone or texting while driving.

Get many more tips and strategies in the Parent's Supervised Driving Guide.

Don't drive drowsy

Don't drive drowsy! If you feel sleepy at the wheel, exit if you're on a freeway and find a safe place to park and rest.

Read this recent Fox TV-17 story about a teen who is lucky to be alive after falling asleep at the wheel. 

Great resource

For a wealth of teen driving information, go to:

michigan.gov/teendriver