​​Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads, and most of this distraction can be attributed to cell phone use.

The Governor’s Highway Safety Program has designated this week as distracted driving awareness week. This week drivers are urged to put their phones away, buckle up, and slow down.

The following are tips to avoid distracted driving:

Inside the Vehicle

• Avoid texting or talking on a phone while driving. (Texting while driving is illegal in North Carolina as is cellphone use by drivers under 18.)     
• Don’t eat while driving.
• Program radio stations or music devices for easy access and select music before driving.
• Keep the stereo at a volume low enough to hear sounds outside the vehicle such as sirens, horns or screeching tires.
• Designate a front-seat passenger to serve as a “co-pilot” to avoid having to fumble with maps or navigation systems. If driving alone, map out destinations in advance.
• Do personal grooming at home, not on the road.
• Teach children the importance of good behavior while in a vehicle. Do not underestimate how distracting it can be to tend to them in the car.
• Make sure pets are in a carrier.

Outside the Vehicle

• Avoid reading signs or watching activity on the roadside for long periods of time.

• Do not stop and talk to people who are outside the vehicle.

• Only allow passengers to get inside when it is parked in a safe location. Do not pick them up at stoplights or stop signs.