Safe Driving Ideas

It's about that time. A road trip to a cottage, beach or Grandma's house is probably in the works. For a safer trip, consider these new and old ideas about how to get there in one piece.

Just drive. Don't talk or listen to someone on your cellphone. Using a cellphone reduces your ability to see while talking and in the moments while hanging up.

Some studies show that using a hands-free cellphone can give you a false sense of safety. Just listening on a cellphone can cause a decrease of up to 37 percent in the ability to process visual information on the road.

Make sure everyone is buckled up. Not only is it safer for them, but in an emergency stop. An unbuckled backseat passenger could fly into you and cause you to lose control of the car.

Know your route so you don't have to find a road and drive at the same time. GPS systems are helpful if they don't block your view of the road and don't take your mind off of driving. Always do the programming before you start, Pull off the road to make any changes during the trip.

Yes, give 'em a brake. Go slow in construction zones. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) says more than 1,000 people die in construction zones each year.

Take a pal along on a long drive. Most fall-asleep crashes happen when people are driving alone, usually in the dark. Be well-rested before starting and take breaks every couple of hours. An Ohio State University study shows you will feel less stressed diving on a scenic route than on an Interstate.

Keep the kids entertained. Provide toys and games so their noise will not distract you from your driving.
Avoid following a truck or SUV if you can. Your risk of a rear-end collision rises because you can't see around them and adjust your speed to conditions.