Using a cell phone while driving may quadruple your odds of having a crash that sends you to the hospital. Plus, hands-free models aren't as safe as you might think. The main risks with either kind of phone are answering, dialing and other tasks that lead you to take your eyes off the road. The best place to have the call is before or after you are on the road.
Teens, frequent mobile phone users, are four times more likely than adults to have a crash or near crash related to their use.
And phone calls aren't the only problem, distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger and bystander safety.
Other safe-driving tips:
- Give yourself plenty of time to get from point A to point B, especially if the weather is bad.
- Keep your car well maintained. Replace wiper blades and brake pads when needed, for example.
- Always use your seatbelt while driving.