How to build better habits for distraction-free driving

Whether it's a child thumping the back of your car seat or a quick glance at your messaging app at the red robot, driver distraction is a significant danger on South Africa's roads. In fact, Discovery Insure's research shows that just a single instance of mobile phone usage results in about 52 seconds of distracted driving. This means if you're driving at 60km/h, you're driving "blind" for one kilometre (and you're four times more likely to have an accident). Another sobering statistic is this: 80% of crashes involve some form of driver distraction that reduces driving safety.

Along with talking on the phone while driving, other distractions include fiddling with map apps, trying to find that playlist, eating and drinking, sending emails, unsecured pets and children, and loud music.

Discovery Insure's shared-value model is underpinned by helping make roads safer through better driving. Being a better driver means building good driving habits that minimise distraction and maximise focus. Here's how to do just that:

How to drive distraction-free

Next time you're about to jump in your car, consider the following for a safer, more focused journey:

Phones

Usually the number-one distraction culprit, using Bluetooth is a no-brainer (and a must, according to the law). To avoid fumbling with apps, enter your destination into your maps before driving off, get that playlist ready to go, and set your phone to DND if possible so you're not disturbed by the temptation of responding to a message or a quick inbox check. It can all wait until you get to the office.

Kids and pets

Any child under 12 must wear a seatbelt in the back seat, while infants should ride in rear-facing safety seats until they're at least 12 months old and weigh a minimum of 9 kilograms. Children who are a year and older and weigh between 9 and 18 kilograms should ride in forward-facing safety seats.

Pets can be a major distraction, too. The easiest solution is a sturdy backseat cover that can work as a barrier between your pet and you or ensuring your pet is secured such as in a portable pet home whilst driving.

Small hazards

Before you reverse out of the driveway, check for items like bottles or that lip balm you can never find, because things rolling under your feet while you're driving can distract you and cause accidents. Also, don't forget to put your seatbelt on and make any adjustments before you pull off.

Get rewarded for having good driving habits

Vitality Drive uses innovative telematics to collect information about your driving behaviour; the better you drive, the more Vitality Drive points you earn - and the more rewards you get, like up to 50% fuel cash back every month and up to 50% off a selected child car seat every year.

Each day, you are allocated 60 points. You can maintain this daily goal by focusing on good driving habits like sticking to the speed limit, accelerating, cornering and braking smoothly, and not using your phone while driving.

To start earning points, simply sign up to Discovery Insure and activate Vitality Drive. Then drive well and get rewarded!

Get a quote with Discovery Insure today.

Activate Vitality Drive by selecting it at the time you request your quote. You can also call us on 0860 751 751 to add it to your plan.