How to Use a Cell Phone While Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents in this country and driving while talking on a cell phone is one of the main causes of distraction while driving. If you must drive and make a call, make sure to do so as safely as possible by following specific tips. Also, keep your conversation as short as possible. 

• Pull over to the curb or into a parking lot any time you need to make a phone call. If you hear your phone ringing, pull into the nearest lot to answer the call safely.


• Place your cell phone in an easy to reach position before you start the car. If the phone is in your purse or buried beneath a pile of paper work, you have to take your eyes off the road to dig for it, which could cause an accident. 


• Use a headset, either wired or wireless while talking on the phone. Keep the headset somewhere easy to reach like on your visor while driving. Some states and cities have laws making driving and talking without a headset illegal so make sure to check the law in your state and area before talking without a headset. If your state does not have a law against driving with a headset, you may drive and talk on your handset. Make sure to keep one hand on the wheel at all times. 


• Use your phone's speakerphone function, if your phone has that function. Set the phone on the seat next to you or the dashboard to ensure both hands can stay safely on the wheel.


• Answer the call, or make, the call using the headset. Consider using voice dialing if you are dialing while driving, but only if you are familiar with this feature. Make sure you have practiced using it a few times while the car is not in motion so you can easily do this.


• Tell the person on the phone that you are driving so you must keep the conversation short. Avoid getting in heated conversations, like arguments, because these cause you to be even more distracted while talking. If you find yourself in heavy traffic or inclement weather, tell the caller you must call them back. 


• Hang up as early as possible to keep your call brief. Remember to only make calls if absolutely necessarily. For example, if you're lost and can't find your way to a destination, or you need to coordinate picking up a child. Try whenever possible to pull over before making your call.