Driving needs your full attention. You need to keep control of your vehicle while maintaining an awareness of your surroundings and potential hazards
It may be easy to reply to a message, change the song, or update your destination in a GPS, but these actions are shifting your focus away from driving and putting you at risk of a crash.
Anything that diverts a driver's attention for more than two seconds can significantly increase the likelihood of a crash or near-crash. This includes:
There are simple changes you can make to reduce the risk of being distracted while driving.
Driving needs your full attention. You can’t focus on the road if you’re texting your mates, trying to find that one song, or looking at a navigation map app. Show someone you care by ghosting them while driving and arrive safely.
It is always safest to turn phones OFF when driving. It’s illegal to send or receive messages or calls, take photos, or browse social media on hand-held mobile phones while driving. This includes when you’re stopped in traffic or at an intersection.
Only use your phone once you’ve pulled over and parked safely.
Set your phone to ‘Do not disturb while driving’ before you head off. Text messages and other notifications are silenced or limited, but you can still play music and get navigation assistance.
Watch these videos on how to turn on Do Not Disturb for both Apple and Android users.
For Apple users
For Android users
If you need directions, set your route or check a map before starting your journey. Ensure that voice navigation is switched on or have someone else in the car read out directions.
If you’d like to see your route displayed while driving make sure that it’s fixed in a mounting fixed to the vehicle in a position that doesn’t obstruct your view.
Pull over if you need to check the route or change it during the drive.
Make driving your priority. Let your friends and family know that you’re about to head out for a drive and will reply later when you’ve made it to your destination.
Check your windscreen and mirrors are clean and positioned correctly before you head off. Adjust the seat and buckle your seatbelt. If you want to play music, make sure you’ve chosen your playlist or radio station before you head off.
Make sure that any loose items are secure. In a crash or when braking suddenly unsecured items such as water bottles, bags, groceries can become airborne and hurt people in the vehicle.
If you’re having difficulty concentrating due to noise, turn it down. Ask your passengers to be quiet and turn the music down or off. Try not to have complex or emotional conversations until you’ve pulled over and can focus on the discussion.
Allow time to take regular breaks rather than eating, drinking or smoking while driving. This also helps you avoid feeling fatigued and gives you time to safely check your phone and respond to messages or calls.
