Hi Folks…

Are you guilty of “abusing” your mobile
phone? Possibly justifying it on the basis of your need to keep in contact with
customers and, and, and…………..

This newsletter is here just for you and
(if you really are not guilty), for sharing with anyone else.

Reduced to just 7 points, surely this
must be a relatively easy task – or is it?

1. Don’t be afraid to just turn off your
phone.

The text you just received can wait. Try
putting your phone in the backseat out of reach, or just turn it off. When you
get to your destination, you can read your messages and respond.

2. Organize your stuff and avoid
multitasking.

Know where your important stuff is
before beginning your drive, so you’re not searching for something while
driving. Program your navigation system, have your toll money ready, etc., in
advance. Multi-tasking while driving takes your eyes and attention off the
road.

3. Let your passengers do some of the
work.

Taking a road trip with a co-worker? Ask
your passenger to program the navigation system, find a decent radio station,
or text the boss an update.

4. Save the serious discussions for
later.

Don’t use a road trip to engage in a
conversation likely to cause conflict or stress. That's a recipe for major
cognitive distraction. Save the “we need to talk” moments for later, whether
the context is personal or professional.

5. Use voice commands and Bluetooth
sparingly.

They’re great technologies, but
hands-free texting and talking are still distracting.  Your hands may be
on the wheel, but your mind and attention are off the road. So use them only
when you absolutely must.

6. Use your smartphone to drive safer.

Some people need to use their
smartphone’s GPS app in the car, so they can’t just switch the phone off
completely. But when you’re driving, try putting your phone on silent.
Actually, a lot of modern phones even have a programmable feature that turns
off other functions when the GPS is on... Also, plenty of apps these days can
disable texting, send an automated text response, and hold calls while you’re
driving. “So poke around your safety settings and app store to maximize your
phone’s safety capabilities,”

7. Make your drive time, quiet time.

We all need our quiet moments of the
day, and while most of us don’t think of drive time as relaxing, remember that
it’s OK to turn off the radio, pause the iPod, or ask your passengers to keep
quiet. It can be relaxing to collect your thoughts and focus on the single task
at hand.

VIDEO:
A Momentary Distraction Close to Home.

Till next time - Drive Safe and bag the
phone!

Eugene Herbert