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This post is sponsored by NSG, all opinions are mine as always.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. I decided it was time to put safety first and take back my drive. Sounds authoritative doesn’t it?  I started driving cell-free on April 11th. I planned on abstaining for a week. That means no cell period, including Bluetooth. I went cold turkey.

We believe if manufacturers put “infotainment” dashboards and hands-free technology in vehicles, they must be safe. But in fact, these technologies distract our brains even long after you’ve used them. Research shows the brain remains distracted for 27 seconds after dialing, changing music or sending a text using voice commands. 27 seconds is a long time especially when you’re driving. Almost everyone has had a close call while driving, all it takes is second to look away. It amazes me that the number of intelligent people who swear they can text and drive perfectly fine. Have you seen a driver distracted by a cell phone? Is that driver you? It’s a proven fact that all of the above actions increase crash risk.

Have you seen a driver distracted by a cell phone? Is that driver you? It’s a proven fact that all of the above actions increase crash risk. I carry precious cargo in my car, my grand kids.

After listening to a webinar on the latest facts on distracted driving I learned there is not a safe way to make a call while driving, not even hands-free. Knowing all that information made it easy to give up my cell. I actually enjoyed not feeling that I should squeeze in a quick call while I’m on the road. It felt good. I admit I did reach for it a few times but caught myself. It felt pretty good to be out of communication. I know that for some people giving up their cell is like cutting off their arm, I love my cell too. But shouldn’t safety be our top priority?  Take the NSC Pledge and drive cell free.

3 Simple Tips to Help You Drive Less Distracted

1. Place your cell phone out of your sight when you are in the car. It makes it easier if you can’t see it. I kept mine in my purse out of reach and the sound turned off. 🙂
2. Eat before or after you get in the car. You can make it, I promise you won’t starve.
3. No applying lipstick, brushing your hair, or any other personal hygiene. I’ve seen this more times than I can count, one time I actually saw a woman playing a flute while she was driving. Crazy!

I’m asking you to take the NSC  pledge and go cell and tech free while you are driving. Try it for 7 days like I did, I decided to keep my cell in my purse from now on while I drive. Just like I won’t drive without my seat belt because it’s unsafe. Now that I have the information about how driving and cell phone use is unsafe I will stop using it. The safety of my family and yours are very precious, and worth a little inconvenience. So how about it, will you join me?

Go here to take the pledge. Looking for more information? Go here.

Stay safe!