The mobile looks like another part of people, as if it were an extension of the human body. There are those who if they forget the phone at home when they go out the door, they come back to get it, because they cannot live without the phone in their pockets! A social age where people are hooked on social media and technology in general.

They notify us when we receive new emails, text messages or when someone has commented on your Facebook status. This happens frequently, even while driving! Smartphones have been linked to an increase in traffic accidents and deaths from road accidents … Many deaths could be avoided if you don’t look at your phone while behind the wheel!

Social networks are not safe

It is normal for traffic accidents to occur since drivers say that on many occasions they are distracted by looking at their mobile, either to send text messages or to see notifications from social networks. There are some statistics that should make everyone who drive with their mobile phone too close to their car think:

• • 27% of drivers report checking Facebook .

• • 14% of drivers admit to tweeting.

• • 14% of drivers scroll through Instagram.

• • 11% of drivers check Snapchat.

• • 17% of drivers took selfies while driving.

• • 10% of drivers participate in video chat via Skype or FaceTime.

• • 30% of drivers and Twitter users revealed that they tweet “all the time” while driving.

• 27% of drivers who use their smartphone to film behind the wheel believe they are practicing safe driving tactics.

Keep your phone

How do we stop this epidemic of distracted driving? For starters, we can turn off our phones and keep them out of sight. Even holding a smartphone in your hand while driving should be illegal to avoid accidents and dangerous distractions. When you use the GPS with your mobile and you receive a notification , do not get distracted … you will see the notification at another time, that can wait.

How to avoid distracted driving

No matter how busy you are, it is absolutely essential that you pay attention to the road while driving. Here are some tips to help keep your attention on track:

• • Check voicemails and messages before driving . Before getting in the car, check any voicemail or messages on your smartphone beforehand. In fact, you can even record a message or send automated responses so that anyone who tries to contact you knows that you are driving.

• • Preset controls. Similar to checking messages beforehand, you can also preset radio or climate control stations in your car.This will help avoid the distraction of fiddling with your vehicle’s settings trying to find a radio station and cooling settings.

• • Save food for later. As tempting as the smell of those fries is, it’s not worth risking your life or someone else’s to reach out and grab a handful. Have a bite before or after the car trip. Also, cleaning up pesky crumbs in your car is not a fun task.

• Make sure children and pets are comfortable. Make sure children and pets are seated comfortably and properly restrained in their seats. Also make sure the child safety seats are installed correctly. If there are pets in the car, make sure they are in a suitable place or attached to a harness, fastened to the seat belt.

Remember: having a smartphone is extremely useful for work and personal reasons, but not practical behind the wheel. Put your phone away while you drive and help keep your local roads safe.