According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the numbers are all too real, with 3,154 people killed in 2013 in vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. While many states have adopted laws to crack down on phone usage behind the wheel, real change starts at home, with drivers pledging to adopt simple safety measures and ensuring family members also make the commitment.
As advocates for safe driving everywhere, the car experts at Edmunds.com offer these tips for safe travels behind the wheel:
Limit the distractions: While it's always a good idea to have a phone with you in case of a breakdown or other auto emergency, keep distractions out of sight while driving. Switch your phone to silent, put it in airplane mode or turn it off completely before you enter your vehicle. Placing your phone in the glovebox, the backseat or the trunk (or even just in a bag) can also stop the temptation of answering your calls or texts, so you can focus on the road instead.
Just drive: Many other activities can also be distracting in the car, such as eating, drinking, managing your entertainment or even putting on makeup. Make sure your car is used only for getting you from Point A to Point B. Save the other activities for your destination.
Make it a family priority: Discuss the responsibilities that come with driving a vehicle and the hazards that accompany distracted driving. Set rules for your whole family so teen drivers know that you, too, are engaged in creating a safe zone in your own vehicle. Be a good role model even before your children are old enough to drive so they witness only good habits.
Set a reminder for safety: Place a sticky note on your phone or a photo of a loved one in a non-obstructive location in your car to remind you of your commitment to safe driving.
Don't be a passive passenger: Spreading the message about safe driving doesn't stop when you're in the passenger seat. If you're in a car with driver who is using a phone, ask that it be put away — for everyone's safety.
Become an advocate for safe driving. Tell your family, friends, neighbors and everyone you know about the dangers of distracted driving.
And remember that safer roads start with smart, focused driving.
Source: http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/steer-clear-of-distracted-driving.html
About Northridge Toyota | Scion in Northridge
Ted Hitchcock, General Manager, would like to thank you for visiting Northridge Toyota | Scion - serving the San Fernando Valley for over 40 year. Located in the heart of Northridge, CA, and near Los Angeles and surrounding communities, we are conveniently located for prime shopping and eating. Northridge Toyota | Scion now serves the community with a new 75,000 sq foot facility that includes a service center that has almost 50% greater capacity.
The Northridge Toyota | Scion mission is to bring knowledgeable car specialists, enthusiasm, value, great inventory, unparalleled customer service, friendly staff, community awareness and simplicity to every customer interaction while making the positive feedback and experience of each guest our primary objective. We offer an amazing array of new Toyota cars, certified pre-owned Toyota’s, and have a huge inventory of pre-owned cars. We specialize in all forms of maintenance, from tires to brakes, including all Toyota Care, Toyota Care Plus, and Toyota ExpressMaintenance. Whether an oil change and tire rotation, or something more, we have a cutting edge facility to help you. Please visit our well stocked parts and accessories department as well as our waiting area with state-of-the-art hot beverage dispensers, numerous flat panel tv’s, free wi-fi and pet waiting area - See more at: http://www.northridgetoyota.com
Make it a family priority: Discuss the responsibilities that come with driving a vehicle and the hazards that accompany distracted driving. Set rules for your whole family so teen drivers know that you, too, are engaged in creating a safe zone in your own vehicle. Be a good role model even before your children are old enough to drive so they witness only good habits.
Set a reminder for safety: Place a sticky note on your phone or a photo of a loved one in a non-obstructive location in your car to remind you of your commitment to safe driving.
Don't be a passive passenger: Spreading the message about safe driving doesn't stop when you're in the passenger seat. If you're in a car with driver who is using a phone, ask that it be put away — for everyone's safety.
Become an advocate for safe driving. Tell your family, friends, neighbors and everyone you know about the dangers of distracted driving.
And remember that safer roads start with smart, focused driving.
Source: http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/steer-clear-of-distracted-driving.html
About Northridge Toyota | Scion in Northridge
Ted Hitchcock, General Manager, would like to thank you for visiting Northridge Toyota | Scion - serving the San Fernando Valley for over 40 year. Located in the heart of Northridge, CA, and near Los Angeles and surrounding communities, we are conveniently located for prime shopping and eating. Northridge Toyota | Scion now serves the community with a new 75,000 sq foot facility that includes a service center that has almost 50% greater capacity.
The Northridge Toyota | Scion mission is to bring knowledgeable car specialists, enthusiasm, value, great inventory, unparalleled customer service, friendly staff, community awareness and simplicity to every customer interaction while making the positive feedback and experience of each guest our primary objective. We offer an amazing array of new Toyota cars, certified pre-owned Toyota’s, and have a huge inventory of pre-owned cars. We specialize in all forms of maintenance, from tires to brakes, including all Toyota Care, Toyota Care Plus, and Toyota ExpressMaintenance. Whether an oil change and tire rotation, or something more, we have a cutting edge facility to help you. Please visit our well stocked parts and accessories department as well as our waiting area with state-of-the-art hot beverage dispensers, numerous flat panel tv’s, free wi-fi and pet waiting area - See more at: http://www.northridgetoyota.com
