Tag Archives: texting

General Safety Issues

OBSERVE NATIONAL DISTRACTED DRIVING MONTH

 April is designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Every day we should observe all the ways we need to be safe while behind the wheel. These ideas are for everyone who drives, no matter your age. How many times you have let some sort of distraction cause you to not pay attention to your safety and that of your passengers? 

Here are some ideas, which you all have read before, but we are going to keep trying to let you know how important this is. 

First of all, DON‘T talk on a cell phone while you are driving if you have children in the car. You may use a hands-free device, but you will still be letting your train of thought veer away from safe driving, and you are setting a bad example for your kids. If they think it’s ok because mom and dad talk or their cell phone and drive, someday they will, too. 

Here are some more driving DON’T’s: 

  • Don’t drink and drive, and never get in a car with someone who has been using drugs or drinking.
  • Don’t text and drive……ever! Pull over, please don’t take the chance!
  • Don’t make assumptions about what other drivers are going to do. Just because someone has their turn signal on does not mean they are actually going to turn. They may be like the rest of us, and have forgotten that it is on!
  • DON’T assume that other cars can read your mind, either. Make sure that you use your turn signals and give yourself, and the cars around you, plenty of room to maneuver.
  • DON’T tailgate other cars, pass on shoulders, fail to yield, run stoplights or stop signs (even if no one else seems to be around), or break any other rules of the road on purpose. If you act like you are above the law when you operate a car, you will sooner, rather than later, find out that you are not.
  • DON’T play your car stereo so loudly that you are disruptive to others, or so loudly that you are unable to hear train signals or emergency vehicle sirens.
  • DON’T engage in other activities, while driving, that distract your attention or reduce your reaction time. Eating, changing clothes, or putting on makeup while driving is dangerous. In some states, if you are caught doing these things while driving you can be cited for “driver inattention” and given a ticket.
  • DON’T treat a car like it is a toy. It is not. Don’t use your car to play chicken, race, or give another car a friendly “tap.”
  • DON’T let your emotions and frustrations get the best of you. Don’t engage in road rage, no matter how irritating another driver might be to you.
  • DON’T activate the cruise control when driving in wet conditions. There can be a build up of water under the tires, and could cause hydroplaning. (This is not a distracted driving tip, but an important DON’T to add to your list.)
  • DON’T drive if you are sleepy. Ask your passenger to drive, or wait until your head is clear. Needing sleep really distracts you from your driving responsibility. 

DO DRIVE DEFENSIVELY. If you have a group in your car, let them lead the conversation so you can keep your eyes on the road at all times. Stay safe and take this message to heart. If you let some distraction cause you to have an accident while driving, chances are someone will get hurt and you will be responsible. So “drive friendly”,  as we say in Texas, and drive responsibly!

General Safety Issues

FOURTH OF JULY WARNINGS!

TxDot warning drivers, “No Refusal” over Fourth of July holiday

 

The Texas Department of Transportation is cracking-down on drunk-driving over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.  In 2012 alone, there were over 25,000 alcohol-related wrecks on Texas roadways. Those wrecks left 1,170 dead and 9,458 seriously injured. With these startling statistics in mind, TxDot is launching its “Faces of Drunk Driving” campaign.

The campaign is an effort to put a human face on the impact of drunk-driving. This year’s campaign will highlight nine-year-old Xitclalli “Chilli” Vasquez, who was paralyzed from the waist down after being hit by a drunk driver in Ft. Worth on July 9, 2011- just three days before her eighth birthday. Her story, along with those of over a dozen others impacted by drunk-driving, can be found on the “Faces of Drunk Driving” website. 

In addition to this campaign, TxDot wants motorists to know that law enforcement across Texas will conduct a “No Refusal” initiative over the Independence Day weekend. “No Refusal” legally requires suspected drunk drivers who have been pulled over to provide police with a breath or blood sample. Drivers who refuse to provide a breath sample will be taken to jail where they will be forced to provide a blood sample. Motorists found to be legally intoxicated will face a DWI charge. DWI penalties continue to get tougher. Penalties now include immediate arrest, a suspended license, jail time, and a fine that has increased to $17,000. They are really not kidding when they say you can’t afford it. 

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) provides tips on how to prevent drinking and driving:

Choose a designated driver- decide who’s going to be doing the driving before you go out, Hide the keys- don’t be afraid to take someone’s keys who you know should not be driving, Arrange alternate transportation- sometimes even the designated driver slips, set up a ride with a sober driver.

For those hosting a party this fourth of July, be aware that the host is responsible if an intoxicated party-goer leaves and causes a wreck. The host will face criminal charges and could possibly be forced to pay medical bills and legal fees for all involved in the wreck.

In addition to the above article shared by KLTV, Channel 7, in Tyler, Texas, others are concerned about your safety, too, during this holiday weekend.  “Lately it seems people care more about material things and their ability to social network than they do about their own health,” said Thomas Esposito, MD, MPH, chief of the Division of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care and Burns in the Department of Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center. “Staging an awesome pyrotechnical display for your friends on YouTube may result in blowing off your thumb, ending for good your ability to communicate using a handheld device.”  Their Fourth of July warning theme is “No Texting for Your Life!”

The fourth of July traditionally is the biggest day for grilling food across America.  America’s firefighters want you to think about fire safety while you enjoy the holiday.  Firefighters urge folks grilling  to keep an eye on their grill at all times, and not to walk off and forget the fire.  Keep the kids and pets away from the fire.  Unattended cooking is the number one cause of house fires, and that includes outdoor grilling. Firefighters say use common sense to prevent a tragedy. 

Cook outdoors, not under an awning or carport.  Leave the grills alone to cool off for a long time.  Charcoal grills that turn over can spark house fires hours after the food is done. Firefighters say never try to throw away hot coals, and keep a barrier around the grill to prevent children from running into it. 

Hospital emergency rooms will be on stand-by, in adddition to medical response teams, fire departments, and law enforcement, who will be staffing extra personnel in order to accommodate those who are involved in any accident.  Please heed all warnings and have a safe, sober, and Happy Fourth of July!

General Safety Issues

EASIEST WAYS TO DRIVE SAFELY (GUEST POST)

Don Elfrink is our resident auto expert and the owner and operator of AutoMatStore.com, a company selling auto mats throughout the nation. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on logo, carpeted, molded and all weather floor mats. 

Easiest Ways to Drive Safely

Safety on the road is an enormously important topic for drivers of all ages. While many people think that young drivers are the most dangerous (and studies show they are the most likely to have accidents), there are plenty of older drivers who need to take a second look at what they’re doing behind the wheel. Some of the most innocuous seeming habits can be hugely detrimental when it comes to safety. Here are some of the most important things to stop doing right now.

Texting While Driving

It’s difficult to think of a topic that’s more in the news lately than texting while driving. It’s become a global cause of concern, and rightly so. Texting while driving is incredibly dangerous – it takes your focus completely off the road. It’s been linked to tens of thousands of accidents and fatalities, and numerous studies have pointed out that texting while you’re behind the wheel is actually more dangerous than drinking and driving. Thankfully, law enforcement is stepping up their efforts to curb this dangerous, negligent behavior (another good reason to put down the phone and concentrate on driving).

Talking on the Phone

While most people think that texting on the phone is dangerous, but talking on the phone is fine, that’s actually untrue. When you’re having a conversation on the phone, you’re splitting your concentration between two tasks. Even if you’re not one of those people who have to talk with their hands, you’ll find that having conversations while driving is very dangerous. Put the phone down and concentrate on what you’re doing – invest in a hands-free system if you have to use the phone while driving. Many newer vehicles are now coming with built-in Bluetooth systems that connect your phone directly to your vehicle’s audio system for easier communication with less danger.

Eating While Driving

Are you one of those people who routinely cram down a fast food burger while traveling 70 miles per hour down the interstate? If so, it’s time to put down the burger and put both hands on the wheel. Many people think that eating while driving is less dangerous than talking on the phone or texting, but that’s really not the case. It can be all too easy to become distracted while eating – spilling condiments, slipping buns and spilled drinks can all add up to disaster. While eating on the go is often a necessity these days, do yourself and everyone else you’ll meet while on the road a favor and pull over to eat.

Slow Down and Remain Vigilant

Too often, drivers become desensitized to the danger they’re in every time they get on the road. Familiarity breeds contempt, after all. However, you have to remember that you are operating a dangerous vehicle, and that there are other people around you. Slow down and pay attention to what you’re doing and where you’re going. Don’t let the banality of the daily commute inure you to the danger posed by operating an automobile – more people die every year in car wrecks than any other way combined.

Cultivate a Sense of Caution

Perhaps the most important tip for driving safely is to cultivate a sense of caution when you’re on the road. Think about it – you’re driving a vehicle that weighs a ton or more at high speeds in close proximity to other vehicles. The potential for danger, accidents and even death is bigh enough even without adding in dangerous habits like texting or eating while driving.

Driving with safety and care while avoiding bad habits like texting behind the wheel can help save your life as well as the lives of other drivers.

General Safety Issues

IT’S NATIONAL TEENS DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE WEEK!

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One week each November has been set aside to make teens more aware of the dangers of taking their eyes off the road for even a moment.  This year, it starts on November 18th and goes through November 24th.  The hazards of texting  are a serious threat to today’s youth with this escalating trend beginning to surpass the threats of drunk driving. Research states that “texting and driving slows down a driver’s response time to that of a 70 year old” according to University of Utah survey.  So talk to your teens (or others you know) about the dangers of driving and texting.  This message also applies to all drivers, of any age!

Texting Tips For Teens

1) How about just turning the phone off before starting the car?

2) Think about the risks you are taking!

3) Have a passenger text for you

4) If you must text while driving, stop the vehicle, then text

5) Avoid reading text messages; it’s as dangerous as sending text messages

6) Get your text or voice message when you reach your destination safely!

7) Is there any message worth losing your life, or taking someone’s life? 

Not only is the person who is texting distracted, but may lead them to cause an accident.  They are also not able to be a defensive driver which could help them avoid being hit by another driver.  Remind them to always pay attention to the road – it could save their life!   In addition, here is some good information regarding the subject from the Federal Communications Commission:

Give Clear Instructions – Give teen drivers simple, clear instructions not to use their wireless devices while driving. According to Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, the easiest way to say it is: “On the road, off the phone.” Before new drivers get their licenses, discuss the fact that taking their eyes off the road – even for a few seconds – could cost someone injury or even death.

Lead by Example – Children learn from their parent’s behavior. No one should text and drive. Be an example for your children and if you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a safe place. 

 
 
 
 
General Safety Issues

Cell Phone Use While Driving: A Preventable Danger (Guest Post)

Sent to us by Brandy Anderson.

Texting drivers are twenty-three times more likely to be involved in an accident than non-texting drivers. They recognize the danger, too: forty per cent of teens admit that they have been passengers in a car and felt at risk of a crash while the driver used a cell phone in a hazardous manner. Despite the risk, nearly fifty per cent of teenagers admit to texting while driving, and estimates report that one million people chat or text while driving each day.

This bad habit has tragic consequences. In 2010 alone, almost 3100 people were killed and 416,000 more were injured in motor vehicle accidents that were caused by a distracted driver.

One study by Car and Driver found that texting while driving impaired reaction times significantly more than driving while drunk. Society as a whole is aware of the risk of drinking and driving and collectively condemns that behavior. It’s astounding that attitudes regarding cell phone use while driving are so dramatically different.

Many still consider this habit to be acceptable regardless of the risk. Some are reluctant to admit the danger and claim that they have the ability to multitask and drive. However, a study by Carnegie Mellon University shows that simply listening to someone speak while driving reduces cognitive functions by thirty-seven per cent. Regardless of one’s claimed ability to multitask, the fact is clear: Driving performance is drastically impaired by using a cell phone.

One tragic case involved a teen girl in Alaska who fatally hit a man early on Easter Sunday in 2011. The investigation found the girl to be texting while driving and continued to text “OMG, OMG” while leaving the scene of the accident. After hearing news of this story, Jim Wojciehowski, a physician’s assistant in Alaska decided to do something to prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future. He came up with an idea for a smartphone app that would eliminate phone distraction while driving.

He created Silent Driver, which works by blocking all incoming calls and texts when a user is moving faster than 10 mph. It also locks the phone so that the user can’t place a text or make a call while driving. The phone allows users to include three safe numbers, so if something happens while the user is moving, they can still call for help. Parents have the option to password protect the app on their teenager’s phone to ensure responsible driving, and they receive a notification if there is any attempt to disable it.

By reducing distractions from cell phones, drivers are free from the temptation to use their phones while operating a vehicle. Download Silent Driver for your phone and commit to driving safely. By focusing on the task of driving, you avoid a preventable accident and the risk of harming yourself or others.  No text or call is worth risking your own or your loved ones’ lives. 

Author Bio:
Brandy is an MBA student at the University of Colorado Denver. She enjoys topics related to environmental issues, technology, business, and social responsibility.  Click here for Brandy’s Twitter.

General Safety Issues

TOP AGENCIES ARE SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT DISTRACTED DRIVING

The month of December is one of the heaviest traffic times of the year, as shoppers go about their business, and the working world carries on their daily duties.  There are more travelers, too, so the focus on preventing distracted driving is very important, at all times, but especially when there are more vehicles in city streets and on the highways.

Department of Transportation unveils ‘OMG’ PSA to warn teens about the dangers of distracted driving.

The U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled “OMG,” a new public service announcement (PSA) to warn teenagers against the dangers of distracted driving. The PSA is available on the newly redesigned Distraction.gov website, along with new materials designed especially for young drivers. The new PSA is designed to reach teenagers using imagery that relates to popular shorthand text messages such as “L8R” for “later” or “LOL” for “laugh out loud.” Two versions of the PSA will air. A version geared toward a teenage audience will run exclusively on 6,589 movie screens in 526 cinemas across the country. A more somber version will air on the 12,000 screens that top pumps at high traffic gas stations across the United States.

The human toll is tragic,” said OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels about the consequences of distracted driving. “The Department of Transportation reports that in 2009, more than 5,400 people died in crashes linked to distraction and thousands more were injured.

Texting while driving has become such a prominent hazard that 30 states now ban text messaging for all drivers. It is an employer’s responsibility and legal obligation to create and maintain a safe and healthful workplace, and that would include having a clear, unequivocal and enforced policy against the hazard of texting while driving.” In an Oct. 20 blog post, Michaels said, “Companies are in violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act if, by policy or practice, they require texting while driving, or create incentives that encourage or condone it, or they structure work so that texting is a practical necessity for workers to carry out their job.” 

Agencies such as OSHA, the Department of Transportation, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are working together to ensure that companies enforce the policy that their employees who are required to drive all or part of their work shift do not text while driving.  Technology has made workers able to accomplish more by faster communications; however, there is a time and place for use of a cell phone, and it is not while driving.  These calls should be made when the driver is stopped and pulled over.  If there is an accident because of talking or texting on a cell phone, how much time is saved then?  For more information, visit OSHA’s Distracted Driving Web page. 

ONE TEXT OR CALL COULD WRECK IT ALL

Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. As stated previously, in 2009 alone, nearly 5,500 people were killed and 450,000 more were injured in distracted driving crashes.  The U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the effort to stop texting and cell phone use behind the wheel. Since 2009, two national  distracted driving summits have been held, banned texting and cell phone use for commercial drivers, encouraged states to adopt tough laws, and launched several campaigns to raise public awareness about the issue.  Distraction.gov is your resource for learning more about distracted driving. Get the facts, get involved, and help us keep America’s roadways safe.  If you haven’t seen the videos, go to this website and see for yourself just how fast tragedy can strike.

Sources: USDOT, NHTSA, OSHA

General Safety Issues

GETTING THERE SAFELY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS!

Monday, October 3, Drive Safely Work Week began, sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety.  Many employers that are members of NETS are owners of large fleets that travel our roads day and night.  The “driving” factor of the message they want to get out is that safety relies on drivers, as well as passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians, who all play an important part in preventing distracted driving.  In partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation, NETS wishes to address the safety of all employees, not just those who drive as part of their job.  It is hoped to reach one-half of our nation’s population with this important message. 

Of the almost 5,000 organizations that participated in the 2010 campaign, it has been reported that 88 per cent of the businesses already had or will have a mobile device policy in place this year.  This shows the desire of businesses to not only reach their employees, but families and the communities they serve.  October 1st, Nevada became the 9th state to ban handheld cell phones while driving. 

NETS Drive Safely Work Week has a Toolkit that can educate employees on how to prevent distracted driving  – how it affects both those in a vehicle and those sharing the road.  You may download it from their website.  This Toolkit will benefit:

  • Those who have a workplace policy by getting tips and activities to reinforce and sustain their policies.
  • Those who have yet to establish a policy will find plenty of resources.
  • Those who aren’t interested in adopting a corporate policy but want to educate their employees can find materials on ending distracted driving. 

Most of us believe that cell phones – conversations and texting – are the main culprits in distracted driving.  Studies show that even talking on a “hands free” cell phone still involves concentration and attention to the conversation at hand, often at the expense of the driving task.  However, every driver may or may not let outside influences affect their driving.  Many drivers become distracted in heavy traffic while: applying makeup; reading; listening to loud music or becoming too engaged in conversation.  Cyclists and other drivers, as well as pedestrians must know what part of the road is their territory, and not infringe on other drivers.  

It is our responsibility to be safe drivers, regardless of whether we are going to and from work, or elsewhere.  Always drive defensively; many times it is the other guy that causes an accident.  Here are a few tips for avoiding distractions:

  1. Concentrate on the driving task; this demands our full attention.
  2. Don’t be distracted by things outside your vehicle.
  3. Eliminate distractions inside the car.  Eat and drink, and pre-set your radio station or CD before you start the car.
  4. Again, avoid using your cell phone while driving.  Pull over if you need to answer a call, or better yet, check the message later.  Put your phone on “silent”, so you aren’t tempted to answer it. 
  5. Don’t let the GPS or other navigation devices take your eyes off the road. 

So, let’s start this month off by driving a little safer than usual.  The reward could be your safety and/or that of others.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

A SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGE FROM SOMEONE WANTING TO HELP!

 This weekend I received the following comment from a very special mother, with regard to  an article, “Drive Safely Work Week.”  Please pay close attention to this message about a subject that we are all familiar with, but don’t  heed the warnings.  Hopefully, this will wake us all up:

We lost our son March 15, 2009 because he was texting while driving. He had everything going for him, he was just 23, a United States Marine and father and he let something as silly as texting take his life. I have made it a point in my life to speak and teach any and everyone I can on these dangers so maybe just one family will not have to go thru the pain and suffering we go thru everyday. Please look at your last text and tell me, is it really worth dying over or possibly killing someone else?? Thank you,
TBreen

In the article, I was trying to convey that a phone conversation is not worth risking anyone’s life over.  I hope my message gets through to all drivers that we must pay attention to our driving, and turn those phones off.  If we must use a cell phone, we need to pull over- to protect ourselves and others on the roads.  I asked for permission to share her message with all of you, and this was her response:

“PLEASE share, my husband and myself have made it our mission now to get our sons story out there and pray that it saves just one life. I am not sure I mentioned but we have done a PSA/Documentary for AT&T and also for a company named Motion Masters a learning video that is for schools and businesses. Your life is changed forever and there is not a waking second that you do not think of your child, a parent is not supposed to bury their child… Keep the articles going.. God Bless..

This mother and father are doing all they can to teach us that we must continue to get out the message: don’t text while driving!  Hopefully,  families will realize how important it is to teach their young drivers that this is one of the most common causes of accidents.  It has been proven that texting and driving is as dangerous as drinking and driving.  It’s time for it to stop!  It can be as simple as turning off the phone.   If everyone would comply, we’d see fewer accidents.

If you wish to comment, please send your wishes to me, and I will be happy to convey them to  this special family, who is trying to save others.  We are grateful to them for sharing their message.

General Safety Issues

DISTRACTED DRIVERS ARE DEADLY DRIVERS, Part II

Week four of National Safety Month, 2010, in the U.S. focuses on distracted drivers using cell phones.  Parts of this article were originally written for week four of National Safety Month, 2009; however, things haven’t changed very much in a year’s time.  There have probably been more persons to add to the statistics that have killed or injured by someone who was texting or using a cell phone while driving.  (On ABC News last night, it was reported that there is a 23% more risk of an accident if texting on a cell phone while driving.) Let’s hope someone out there will heed this message.
Our vehicles now have so many complex DVD players, CD players, bluetooth and satellite navigation systems that it’s a wonder we actually have time to focus on the main thing – driving!  The National Highway Transportation Highway Safety Administration reports that distracted drivers cause nearly 4 out of 5 motor vehicle crashes in the United States.  Now we get to the major culprit: cell phones.    In a survey taken by a major insurance company, almost 40% of teens and young adults admitted that they send and receive text messages while driving, and also said they hit someone while doing so, or were almost hit by another car whose driver was talking/texting on their cell phone.
In our article earlier this year, “Thank You, Oprah,” we recognized this celebrity who has convinced thousands of drivers to take the “No Phone Zone Pledge.”  If you have seen just one of her shows that features a family or person who has been affected by an accident caused by a driver using their cell phone or texting while driving, it should have convinced you to sign her pledge. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that more than 150,000 persons are injured in accidents caused by drivers either texting or talking on their cell phones each year.
The next time you get behind the wheel, think about your total commitment to safe driving.  Things that are going on in your life that might cause you to become distracted, are not worth losing your life over.  Try this:
o Turn the cell phone off.  Your messages will be on it when you arrive safely at your destination.  (In your heart, you know it’s the right thing to do!)
o Visit with your passengers without looking at them. (They can still hear you.)
o Don’t eat while driving, and of course, don’t drink alcohol while driving (it’s against the law!),
o Put your make up on before you leave the house.
o Do your reading at home, work, or the library!
o Set your entertainment or navigation systems before you start.
o Strap in the kids and hope for the best.
More and more travelers will take to the roads during the summer months.  Always stay focused on being a safe driver.  That should be your #1 priority every time you start the car.  Don’t let distractions get in your way.
Week four of National Safety Month, 2010, in the U.S. focuses on distracted drivers using cell phones.  Parts of this article were originally written for week four of National Safety Month, 2009; however, things haven’t changed very much in a year’s time.  There have probably been more persons to add to the statistics that have killed or injured by someone who was texting or using a cell phone while driving.  (On ABC News recently, it was reported that there is a 23% more risk of an accident if texting on a cell phone while driving.) Let’s hope someone out there will heed this message.
Our vehicles now have so many complex DVD players, CD players, bluetooth and satellite navigation systems that it’s a wonder we actually have time to focus on the main thing – driving!  The National Highway Transportation Highway Safety Administration reports that distracted drivers cause nearly 4 out of 5 motor vehicle crashes in the United States.  Now we get to the major culprit: cell phones.    In a survey taken by a major insurance company, almost 40% of teens and young adults admitted that they send and receive text messages while driving, and also said they hit someone while doing so, or were almost hit by another car whose driver was talking/texting on their cell phone.
In our article earlier this year, “Thank You, Oprah,” we recognized this celebrity who has convinced thousands of drivers to take the “No Phone Zone Pledge.”  If you have seen just one of her shows that features a family or person who has been affected by an accident caused by a driver using their cell phone or texting while driving, it should have convinced you to sign her pledge. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that more than 150,000 persons are injured in accidents caused by drivers either texting or talking on their cell phones each year.
The next time you get behind the wheel, think about your total commitment to safe driving.  Things that are going on in your life that might cause you to become distracted, are not worth losing your life over.  Try this:
  • Turn the cell phone off.  Your messages will be on it when you arrive safely at your destination.  (In your heart, you know it’s the right thing to do!)
  • Visit with your passengers without looking at them. (They can still hear you.)
  • Don’t eat while driving, and of course, don’t drink alcohol while driving (it’s against the law!),
  • Put your make up on before you leave the house.
  • Do your reading at home, work, or the library!
  • Set your entertainment or navigation systems before you start.
  • Strap in the kids and hope for the best.
More and more travelers will take to the roads during the summer months.  Always stay focused on being a safe driver.  That should be your #1 priority every time you start the car.  Don’t let distractions get in your way.