Best Practices for Using Your Phone Safely While Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of road accidents worldwide, with mobile phone use being one of the most common distractions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds—enough time to cover the length of a football field at 55 mph. To minimize risks and ensure safety, drivers must adopt responsible phone habits. Below are the best practices for using your phone safely while driving.

1. Use Hands-Free Technology

One of the safest ways to use a phone while driving is by leveraging hands-free technology. Many modern vehicles come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing drivers to make calls, send messages, and use navigation without holding their phones.

• Voice Commands: Use voice-activated features (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant, or vehicle-integrated systems) to make calls, send texts, or set GPS directions.
• Bluetooth Headsets or Speakerphone: If your car lacks built-in Bluetooth, a hands-free headset or speakerphone can help keep your hands on the wheel.
• Dashboard Mounts: Secure your phone in a dashboard or windshield mount to keep it within easy view without obstructing your line of sight.

2. Enable Do Not Disturb While Driving Mode

Most smartphones now include a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature, which silences notifications and prevents distractions.

• iPhone Users: Go to Settings > Focus > Driving and enable “Do Not Disturb While Driving.” You can set it to activate automatically when connected to a car’s Bluetooth or when motion is detected.
• Android Users: Enable Driving Mode in the Digital Wellbeing settings or use Google Assistant’s driving mode to minimize interruptions.

This feature can automatically reply to incoming messages, letting contacts know you’re driving and will respond later.

3. Pre-Set Navigation Before Driving

Programming your GPS before starting your journey eliminates the need to adjust settings while driving.

• Enter Destinations in Advance: Input your destination before leaving to avoid last-minute adjustments.
• Use Voice-Guided Navigation: Apps like Google Maps and Waze offer voice-guided directions, reducing the need to look at the screen.
• Avoid Touching the Screen: If you must adjust settings, pull over safely before doing so.

4. Avoid Texting, Social Media, and Email

Texting, scrolling through social media, or checking emails while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents.

• Never Text and Drive: Even a quick glance at a message can lead to a collision. If a message is urgent, pull over safely before responding.
• Turn Off Notifications: Disable non-essential notifications to reduce temptation.
• Use Auto-Reply Features: Many messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, iMessage) allow automatic replies to inform contacts that you’re driving.

5. Limit Phone Calls to Essential Conversations

While hands-free calls are safer than texting, they can still be distracting. Keep conversations brief and avoid emotionally charged or complex discussions.

• Schedule Calls for When You’re Stationary: If possible, make calls before driving or after reaching your destination.
• Inform Callers You’re Driving: Politely let callers know you’re on the road and may need to focus on driving.

6. Secure Your Phone Properly

A loose phone can become a dangerous projectile in the event of sudden braking or a collision.

• Use a Phone Mount: Secure your phone in a stable mount to prevent it from falling.
• Avoid Holding It in Your Lap: Keeping the phone in your lap increases the risk of dropping it and taking your eyes off the road.
• Store It Safely When Not in Use: If you’re not using your phone, place it in a glove compartment, center console, or bag to avoid temptation.

7. Educate Passengers on Safe Phone Use

If you’re driving with passengers, especially teens or children, set clear rules about phone use in the car.

• Designate a Co-Pilot: If you need to use your phone, ask a passenger to handle calls, texts, or navigation.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate responsible phone habits to encourage others to do the same.

8. Know and Follow Local Laws

Many regions have strict laws against handheld phone use while driving. Familiarize yourself with local regulations to avoid fines and legal consequences.

• Handheld Phone Bans: Some states and countries prohibit holding a phone while driving, even for calls.
• Texting Bans: Most places have laws against texting while driving.
• Novice Driver Restrictions: Many areas impose stricter phone use rules for new or teen drivers.

9. Use Apps That Promote Safe Driving

Several apps are designed to minimize distractions and encourage safe driving habits.

• LifeSaver (iOS/Android): Blocks phone use while driving and rewards safe behavior.
• TrueMotion Family (iOS/Android): Tracks driving habits and provides feedback on phone use.
• DriveMode (Android): Silences notifications and provides hands-free access to calls and music.

10. Pull Over for Urgent Matters

If you must use your phone for an important call, text, or navigation adjustment, find a safe place to pull over before doing so.

• Use Rest Stops or Parking Lots: Never stop on the shoulder of a highway unless it’s an emergency.
• Avoid Multitasking: Even hands-free use can be distracting—focus on driving first.

Conclusion

Using a phone while driving poses serious risks, but by adopting these best practices, drivers can significantly reduce distractions and enhance road safety. Hands-free technology, “Do Not Disturb” modes, pre-set navigation, and responsible phone habits are key to minimizing risks. Ultimately, the safest approach is to keep your phone out of reach and focus entirely on the road. Safe driving protects not only you but also passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.