Keep your head in the game with tips to avoid distracted driving.

Follow these tips provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety to avoid being distracted while driving:

• Get adequate sleep before any trip. Fatigue decreases attention and reaction time.
• Don’t drink alcohol before driving.
• Avoid taking any medication that can cause drowsiness, either before the trip or while driving. Be sure to read the label carefully. Consult with your physician regarding alternate medications that do not cause drowsiness.
• Review driving directions and maps and check traffic and weather conditions before your trip.
• Clean and adjust all mirrors for best all-around visibility before starting the vehicle.
• Pre-select and pre-load your favorite music before driving.
• Turn off cellphones. Pull off the road in a safe and legal place when making or receiving a call on a cellphone. Even hands-free devices have proven to be a driving distraction that cause collisions.
• Clear the vehicle of unnecessary objects.
• Become familiar with the location and use of in-cab controls before you start driving.
• Postpone eating and drinking until the vehicle is safely stopped. Many collisions have occurred by just “getting a sandwich out of the cooler” while driving.
• Do not read or write while driving. Complete driver paperwork while the vehicle is stopped and parked in a safe area.
• Do not try to type, text or read messages on a computer or satellite communication system while driving. Pull off the road at a safe and legal parking location to perform these tasks.
• Avoid being distracted by billboards or other forms of non-driving related signs.
• Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations with passengers in the vehicle.
• Do not let occupants of other vehicles distract you from your focus on driving.
• Be observant of pedestrians, but do not let them be a distraction to your driving.
• Always keep your emotions under control when in stressful driving situations.
• Look for these same distractions in other drivers and give them plenty of room.
• Drive defensively. Plan for and expect the unexpected, always leave yourself an out.