Distracted Driving Awareness Month: time to #JustDrive

“Five percent of all drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2021 were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes.”

–

Distracted Driving in 2021, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

Over three thousand drivers is what five percent equates to when we talk about the number of distracted drivers that were involved in a fatal accident in 2021. And unfortunately, that number continues to grow.

As distracted driving continues to be a road safety issue, organizations are finding ways to generate awareness and provide helpful tips and tools for drivers to remain distraction-free.

From the National Safety Council’s campaign #JustDrive to HiRoad’s initiatives to reward customers for their focus on the road, more and more organizations are giving you the tools you need to curb your distractions well beyond Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Distracted driving tips, facts and everything in between

To recognize Distracted Driving Awareness Month and reemphasize our commitment to reward customers with savings on their insurance bill for driving mindfully, here are seven of our HiRoad articles on the topic of distracted driving.

1. Phone tips for distraction-free driving

When you think about distracted driving, you may immediately think of “texting and driving,”  and that makes sense. Your phone can be a big distraction to you on the road, so starting our list with an article on phone tips for less distracted driving is an excellent place to start. 

The HiRoad takeaway: Set up your music and maps before you put the car in DRIVE. Fidgeting with your apps while you’re driving means less attention on the road.

2. Create a habit of mindful driving

At its core, mindful driving is all about staying present, safe and focused on the road—not your phone. Where to start? Commit to a mindful habit every time you get into the car. Whether setting your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ or taking a deep breath before hitting rush hour, these smart decisions can lead to mindful driving. 

The HiRoad takeaway: When you need to use your phone, pull over into a safe area, stop your car and then access your phone.

3. Tips to stay less distracted from HiRoad customers

Who better to get distraction-free tips and tricks from than our HiRoad customers? This article highlights the driving experiences of HiRoaders and shows how they drive without distractions.

The HiRoad takeaway: Remember the little things. The little things (changing playlists or re-routing the GPS) don’t always seem like obvious distractions, but they can still lead to big consequences.

4. A spotlight on Arizona’s National Safety Council

In 2022, we sat down with Ed Taube, lead instructor with Arizona’s chapter of the National Safety Council, to discuss distracted driving. In this article, you’ll learn about the issue of distracted driving, its impact on U.S. roads and some helpful tips from Ed on minimizing distracted driving. 

The HiRoad takeaway: Before you drive, let your friends, family, employers or customers know that you're committed to driving safely and will not answer the phone while driving. You’ll respond as soon as it’s safe for me to do that.

5. Distracted driving and its impact on car insurance premiums

Have you considered how distracted driving may impact your car insurance rate? We discuss the types of distracted driving, how it affects premiums and provide helpful tips to avoid distracted driving. 

The HiRoad takeaway: Your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) can inform your insurance company if you have a violation or accident that resulted from distracted driving. This record can affect the rate you're quoted by insurers.

6. Food for focus

Eating and driving? It’s not a great match—mainly because it qualifies as a distraction. But focus-forward snacks before a ride? We’re all about that. Here, we’ll share some foods you’ll want to dive into that can help lead to some focused moments on the road.

The HiRoad takeaway: Fish, blueberries, chocolate and avocados are great food choices that help you stay more focused and less distracted from behind the wheel.

HiRoad and distraction-free 365 days a year

Mindful driving is a lifelong commitment. At HiRoad, we’re committed to helping drivers be more mindful, focused and safe on the road—all of which can help customers earn monthly discounts on their insurance bill.

The HiRoad app uses the technology found in your phone to showcase your driving habits. We recognize those good choices you make on the road and offer tips to improve–like our in-app challenges. 

Driving less distracted goes beyond Distracted Driving Awareness Month; it’s a year-long promise to staying safe and focused. We hope these tips, insights and tricks to remain distraction-free help you now and in the future.

It’s time to take the high road and #JustDrive.