The best advice for keeping your eyes safely on the road
Second Thoughts
Keep your eyes and your attention firmly on the road. At 60 mph your car goes 88 feet — five or six car lengths — every second. And five seconds is the typical length of a distraction, the U.S. government’s distracted driving fact sheet says — long enough to travel one and a half football fields. Here are seven ways to avoid distractions.
Hang Up and Drive
Texting and using the phone are chief distractions. Most states ban texting while driving, and many prohibit handheld phone use. Most modern vehicles have hands-free systems for phone calls, and some will read and reply to texts.
Tune Before You Travel
Load your music onto your phone, and use the Bluetooth feature to stream tunes through your car system. No need to tinker with a separate iPod or other music player or (for old-school types) to fool with a CD or tape. Be sure the radio’s preset buttons are to your liking.
Don t Let Doggies Roam
Pet safety belts and harnesses, car seats for pets, crates and barriers all are available to keep critters from causing a distraction.
Don t Eat or Drink While Driving
It’s hard to do, given busy schedules and drive-through coffee and food emporiums, but try. Eating and drinking are among the biggest distractions.
Know Where You re Going and How to Get There
Visualize the route. Set up your navigation systems before you go. Even so, recognize that using the nav system on the go is another common distraction.
AARP Offer Protect your money grow your nest egg
Take advantage of great information and tools to help build your future and prevent your money from going down the drain. .
Find Your Comfort Zone
Adjust the driver’s seat so your vision is not obscured by the dashboard or by rear head restraints. Don’t clutter the top of the dash.
Look Where You Want to Go
You’ll unconsciously steer where your eyes are looking, so point your orbs away from that distracting roadkill or tow truck or “Big Sale” sign.
Drive Calmly
When you are driving, the road and your car should have your full attention. Avoid any unnecessary driving — even for a short errand — if you’re emotionally upset about something. Wait till you’ve calmed down before getting behind the wheel.
View More Slideshows
Find your next safe car with the AARP Auto Buying Program
Find a car with safety features you want and get upfront pricing information
Select Make Enter Zip Code SHOP NEW CARS Select Make Enter Zip Code SHOP USED CARS Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.