Using a cell phone while driving is not a bad idea. It allows you to stay connected to your friends, family, and authorities even if you are unable to see or hear them due to no traffic nearby or due to the limited visibility of your vehicle.
There are many cases where it is not recommended to use a cell phone while driving. The most prominent ones are when there is an emergency involving a person’s life and/or property, when navigation may be needed, and when calling may be necessary.
There are two main reasons why you can use a cell phone while driving. The first one is if no other vehicles are nearby, there is no need for caution or alerts for mirror checks and so on. The second one is if there is only a short period of time before destination or next stop (if going somewhere) so that you can call someone.
Cell phones help us stay connected
Having a cell phone or laptop computer stashed in your pocket, tucked into a bag, or draped over your hand provides you with a remote way to access the Internet, email, and even SMS (with message service) messages.
While it is recommended that you leave your desk job at home for this reason, it is still important to know how to use a cell phone while driving.
Many states allow only the use of a cell phone on the road for safety reasons.
Driving and cell phone use should be allowed under certain conditions
Most people have a phone or phone device that they use while driving.
The line between personal and work life has become blurred
It’s both a blessing and a crime that happens more than once every day. You see someone using a cell phone, then they make a call, then they make a call, then they make a call.
Then you see them walk away with no phone in hand, only to see them return just twenty minutes later with another phone call.
You may think to yourself, “Why would anyone need to use their cell phone while driving?” The answer is: “Because they can!”
Many drivers have been cited for using their phones while driving due to calls being placed and then being returned to the driver long before the person on the other end was finished talking.
This is why it is so important for drivers to keep their phones in hand and available while driving.
It may seem like a small thing, but it can have big consequences
Not having a cell phone while driving can be a blessing in disguise. You can allow yourself to have a little extra something while you are on the road, and it will save you from having to reevaluate your attentiveness to stop at red lights and cruising speeds.
There are several reasons not to have a cell phone while driving, including: leaving the car door open, engaging the car’s entertainment system, taking an Uber or another form of transportation, or simply turning off all notifications for apps.
While none of these may seem like big things, they can add up over time. In addition to being unproductive and distracting, these actions may be adding to the overall stress level in your vehicle.
Furthermore, exposure to social media while driving may not be appropriate.
Save the Phone Use for Safe Times
When you are driving at night, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings. You can be relaxed and keep the phone in your pocket or hands free by using a texting or calling app.
Many times while driving at night, you may not have a clear area in which you can put the phone down without risking an accident. The best policy is to use a text and call app only while vehicle doors are closed and the vehicle is stationary.
You can still get involved in an accident if someone attempts to use a phone app or call while driving, especially at night when there is no light pollution nearby. Stay informed about traffic conditions and upcoming destinations with the included directions text and calls.
Take Transit or a Ride-Share Service
If your phone is placed in a case, it can be left at the car as long as there is no oncoming traffic.
If your phone is not covered by a case, then it can be left at the car as well. Most places allow that so long as there is no motorcycle or transportation attached to the vehicle.
Some places even have apps you can use to message or call your friends while you are driving which is permitted. You just need to keep an eye on your phone while driving to make sure it is still alive.
Keeping your phone secured in a Case or removing all but the most essential features of a app is also recommended when driving due to increased security.
Just Park and Walk
Even if your cell phone is turned off, it still needs to be placed in a device-sized space so it can be picked up. A driver must also wait for an option to appear on his or her phone before beginning a call or messaging session.
While this may sound intimidating, it is actually very easy. First, the driver just has to make sure the phone is paired and has a plan of operation. Then, there is no need for caution; the app will handle taking and sending messages and calls.
Then, the driver can start driving! Because of the waiting for the app process, this method of communication can be used while you are busy driving or before you get ready to drive so that you are prepared.
Find a Replacement Behavior
When your phone is unavailable, it’s time to look into a replacement behavior. Fortunately, there are several options to help you replace your lost habit.
A common way to allow yourself the opportunity to use your phone while driving is through the use of communication apps. Communication apps allow you to send and receive messages, as well as receive messages from people who don’t have your same phone number.
However, because these communication apps typically require a person to have a real, live account in order for them to work on your phone, is out of the question.
The only way for me to have my own communication app on my phone was by purchasing one through my cell provider.
