With more and more people owning mobile phones, it only makes sense that communication systems are built into vehicles to improve comfort and safety. Automobiles are now undergoing a turning point as far as technology is concerned, with groundbreaking software that allows people and cars to communicate like never before. The best part is that you don’t need to acquire the latest ride on the market to experience state-of-the-art car tech. All you need is a mobile app, a Bluetooth car kit, and a module that plugs into your port, the one under the side dash. You can remotely operate functions like locking/unlocking doors, engine start/stop, headlight on/off, etc. If you’re like others, you use your mobile phone while driving. This isn’t exactly a good thing, as you’re splitting your attention between driving and tasks like checking your messages or notifications. You can quickly lose control of the vehicle, meaning that distracted driving can lead to an accident. Whiplash injuries can occur even if you drive at 10 miles per hour. Nearly half of all car accidents in the UK result in a whiplash injury, which is due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. If it’s imperative to use your smartphone while driving, prioritize safe driving practices.
Use A Phone Mount for Hands-Free Calls and Navigation
Even if you don’t usually use your mobile phone while driving, you never know when you’ll need to call for help if you have a flat tire. A phone mount comes in handy, especially when it comes to long-distance rides. Not only does it keep your device in view, but it also keeps your hands on the wheels so that you can follow the GPS without any trouble. A magnetic phone mount is the most convenient and easy-to-use option, as it’s strong and can support your device even over rough terrain. You just slide your mobile phone into the mount, and the clamps clip it into place. Maps need to be viewed, podcasts have to be played, and text messages need to be glanced at. It’s very hard not to use your smartphone while driving, but it’s not that hard to be smart about it. A magnetic mount makes it possible for you to enjoy your device’s hands-free experience while driving and carrying out other tasks. It’s not recommended to get an air-vent mount because it doesn’t let the vent do what it’s supposed to do – heat or cool the vehicle. The metal plate you need to stick inside the case can interfere with wireless charging, so place it low instead of near the center.
Silence Non-Emergency Calls and Texts
The ability to communicate quickly isn’t only important but also expected. You’re called, emailed, Slacked, or pinged at all hours. However, you should know how to identify essential messages. 90% of the calls and texts you receive during the day aren’t emergencies, so you shouldn’t bother picking up the phone. Being digitally tethered can be exhausting, and logging out of communication is nearly impossible. If you don’t want to hear your smartphone ring, there’s a solution for that: create or download a silent ringtone. When someone tries to reach you, you won’t even know about it. If you still want to connect to a good friend or keep in touch with your spouse, set individual ringtones for these contacts.
Pull Off the Road If You Need to Engage in Stressful Conversation
The mobile phone should never be in your hands while the engine is running. That said, there are times when you have to engage in conversation; you can’t excuse yourself or return the call later. If you take your eyes off the road even for a couple of seconds, you risk getting into an accident. The best thing you can do is stop by the side of the road. Before slowing down check your mirrors and blind spot to make sure the path is clear. Steer to the side of the road so that you don’t block other traffic and don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights. Needless to say, you shouldn’t stop on a motorway unless it’s an emergency, as it’s designed for fast travel and long distances. It’s not a nice place to have problems with your car. If you don’t have a hands-free kit to answer the phone, let the call go to your message service and wait until you find a safe spot to stop. Stop as far to the left as you can and, once you’ve stopped, put the hazard lights on, as well as the other lights. So, life happens. If you can’t return the call right away, just give it a couple of minutes (or hours), and call back.
Become Familiar with Your Phone’s Safety Features
Mobile phone manufacturers have made great efforts to make their products safer, so it pays to be aware of your device’s specific features. Chances are that your phone has a speed dial, voice commands, and other neat features that allow you to keep your eyes on the road. If you use the voice assistant, for instance, you can increase your alertness and avoid fatigue. With your voice, you can make calls, read and send messages, and control the media. Connect to your vehicle’s Bluetooth with your iOS/Android device and go to notifications to launch driving mode. In many places, using a smartphone while driving is against the law, so you’re better off using your device’s Do Not Disturb While Driving feature. You can choose what apps you want to block and your phone will silence incoming notifications. Calls are allowed, but they’re redirected to your car’s Bluetooth-connected audio system. The phone uses motion and network connection to determine if you’re behind the wheel and turns on this feature. If you still have questions, read the phone’s user manual and familiarize yourself with all of its features. Finally, yet importantly, dial the phone only when you’re stopped. To sum up, there are several ways to reduce the risks of phone use while driving. Always let the person you’re talking to know that you’re behind the wheel and end the call if driving conditions change.
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