Texting driving is not only illegal, but also very dangerous. Writing is distracting and can lead to an accident. Even though everyone knows the risks, many people still have this bad habit. To avoid doing this too, turn off your phone and put it where you can't reach it, use an app or a lock mode and consider the risks.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Eliminate the Temptation to Write a Message
Step 1. Turn off your phone
This is the best way to avoid texting driving. It helps you to not hear notifications and you will not see the screen light up when you receive a communication. Seeing no new messages, you won't be tempted to read and reply to them.
As soon as you arrive, you can turn the phone back on. If you're on a long drive, you can stop every hour or so if you need to check the messages
Step 2. Mute the phone
If you'd rather not turn off the device completely, set it to silent mode. In this case, you will still be able to see if a message has arrived. Just make sure you hold it with the screen facing down so you don't notice if it turns on and be tempted to check right away.
If you'd rather leave the ringtone on, you can turn off message notifications only
Step 3. Put your phone where you can't reach it
If you want to leave your cell phone on, you can try keeping it away from you. This makes it virtually unusable, so you won't be tempted to check it out. You can put it in the trunk, behind the seat or in one of the compartments of the car.
If you decide to follow this advice, make sure you don't try to reach these awkward spots while driving. By trying to take something out of your reach, the risk of an accident would be even greater
Step 4. Send messages before driving
To avoid a situation where you realize you have to send a very important message, take a minute before starting the car to any communication that cannot wait. If you can't wait to read the reply, send the message after the car ride.
You should also enter the destination in the navigator and open the playlist you want to listen to before starting the car. These actions can also be very distracting when you are driving
Step 5. Ask someone to write for you
If you have a passenger with you, ask them to read you the messages you receive and, if necessary, to reply. This way you can write without taking your attention off the road.
Only let people you trust use your phone who can read your conversations
Method 2 of 4: Leveraging Phone Technology
Step 1. Activate Do Not Disturb mode
All smartphones have this option, which can be very useful to avoid writing messages while driving. With this configuration you will not receive phone calls, messages or alerts. This way you won't have any distractions and reduces the risk of you reading a message or deciding to reply.
In "Do Not Disturb" mode you can set exceptions. In this way, the numbers you select, for example close relatives, can call you in an emergency
Step 2. Download a prevention app
There are smartphone applications that help to avoid texting while driving. Some are able to block all warnings and phone calls when you drive, while others reward you if you don't use your mobile phone when traveling over 10 km / h or turn messages into audio files to listen to.
Some of the apps that help you not write driving messages are Live2Txt, SafeDrive, Drivemode and DriveSafe.ly
Step 3. Use voice commands
Almost all smartphones have technologies that can transform the voice into a text message. If you can understand how voice control works, you can write messages using just your voice, even when driving.
Before trying this tip, learn how to use your phone's voice commands. If I had to look at the phone and try to figure out how to open messages, it would be useless to be able to write them without hands
Method 3 of 4: Assess the Risks
Step 1. Ask yourself if it's worth it
Whenever you are tempted to write a message while driving, ask yourself: "Is reading this message now so important that it risks an accident?". Or something similar. By thinking about the risks every time you want to text, you can manage to break the habit.
This can also help you become more patient. It will be helpful to understand that, given the risks, it is not worth writing and that you can wait
Step 2. Take an oath
Many websites and telephone companies allow you to swear not to text the driver. Vowing you promise never to get distracted when driving for a message, you acknowledge the risks of this habit and that you could injure or kill other drivers if you did.
- By taking the oath, you honor your word whenever you refuse to text when driving.
- You can swear on the Texting and Driving Safety or It Can Wait sites.
Step 3. Let friends and family know you are driving
Before you get behind the wheel, write to someone that you can't talk because you have to drive. You can also use a simple code at the end of the last message, such as #G, to let your interlocutor know that you are about to drive.
When you tell someone you are about to drive, you can write, "I'm driving. I can't answer you for about 45 minutes. Can you wait to write to me, so you can avoid distractions?"
Method 4 of 4: Prevent Others from Writing Help Messages
Step 1. Put an app on your child's cell phone
If you are a parent, you can install an application that prevents your child from texting when driving. These apps can even warn you if your child breaks the rules and turns them off. Explain what your intentions are and the purpose of the program. Help him learn safe driving habits and don't make him think you're just spying on him.
- Cellcontrol is a paid service that provides you with a device to install in your car and connect to an application. The app prevents the phone from receiving and sending messages while the vehicle is in motion, as well as blocking other features, such as the camera.
- Drive Safe Mode is another parenting app that helps prevent the driver from sending and receiving messages.
Step 2. Talk to the person
If you notice that someone is always texting when driving, consider talking to them. You can ask him if he knows the dangers of using a cell phone behind the wheel, or simply tell him that you feel uncomfortable checking his cell phone while in the passenger seat.
- For example, if your child has just gotten his driver's license, talk to him about the risks of using driving messages. Discuss possible alternatives to help him stay away from the phone.
- If you are in a car with someone driving, ask them not to text. You can say, "I feel very uncomfortable when you text, because it is very dangerous. Could you please not use your cell phone when you drive me?".
Step 3. Offer to write the message for the person
If someone tries to check their phone while driving, ask them if you can read the message aloud to them and reply for them. This way he can keep his eyes on the road and still send an important communication.
You can say, "I can answer it, so you can keep focusing on driving. Just tell me what to write."
Step 4. Set rules
Establishing rules on mobile phone driving in your family can be beneficial for everyone, young and old. Make it a rule that no one can write messages to the driver, not even adults. This serves to set an example for the youngest and to ensure the safety of all.
- Establish consequences for those who text the driver. For example, you may decide not to give your child the car anymore if he has this habit.
- Don't text or call someone if you know they're driving. This way you reduce the risk of them responding to you.
