Distracted Driving

The world is at our fingertips. Everywhere you go you have access to your friends, entertainment, GPS, online banking, games, the list goes on and on. All you have to do is unlock your phone and you get instant gratification. Not only is it not safe but text messaging and phone usage while driving has been banned in many states, and rightfully so. Click here to see your state laws.

When you leave your phone in the cup holder its hard to ignore the text messages and notifications. Here are some tips to help keep your attention on the road for your safety and the safety of the people around you.

1. Go hands free and keep your hands on the wheel. Headsets are a very affordable option and a lot of cars come with integrated speakerphones now. Its worth the investment if you are someone who makes a lot of phone calls in the car. (Click here for the "10 Best Bluetooth Headsets")

2. Put it on silent and somewhere unreachable before you put your car in drive. If you don't know about the text message or can't get to it chances are you won't be distracted. Click here for five apps to prevent texting and driving.

3. Have a designated texter. If its really important have your passenger text back for you, otherwise it can wait. Texting takes your hands, eyes, and focus off of driving. You may think you are in control but a recent stundy reported that drivers are twenty-three times more likely to be in an automobile crash when texting. Click here for more texting and driving statistics.

Even though its hard we all need to implement the "just say no" attitude. Say yes to safety and no to meaningless distractions. They can wait.