Using your phone while driving - here's how to break the habit

In an age of constant digital connection, the need to disconnect, at least while driving, is more important than ever. Staying off your phone while behind the wheel isn't just about obeying traffic laws; it's about protecting lives, including your own. Yet it takes just a few seconds of distraction to change a life forever.

Using a phone while driving is worse than speeding

In May 2024, Discovery Insure released a road safety research paper. Alarmingly, Discovery Insure data revealed that:

• Cellphone use had overtaken speeding as the leading contributor to vehicle accidents in South Africa.
• Just 20 seconds on a cellphone during a trip increased the risk of an accident by over 60%.
• Discovery Insure clients who submitted accident claims were 52% more likely to have used their phone than to have exceeded the speed limit on the day of the accident.

Tips for staying off your phone while driving

The numbers don't lie - driving while using a phone is incredibly dangerous. Here's how you can minimise your risk and avoid being distracted by your device:

1. Put your phone out of sight and mind
   • Before setting off, put your phone where you can't see or reach for it, like in the cubby hole or boot. This places a physical barrier between your brain's impulse to grab it to check for a notification or answer a call.
2. Mount your phone for navigation
   • The only time your phone should be in your line of sight is if you're using it for navigation (let's face it, we'd all be literally lost without those apps). Investing in a secure and sturdy mount where you can easily see your navigation screen is a must. Make sure you set your route before hitting the road. If you need to make changes, pull over first.
3. Set up your phone's do-not-disturb mode
   • Most Android and iOS smartphones now come with a driving mode or auto mode that helps you stay phone-free while driving.
     
     For Android, simply go to Settings > Modes and Routines > Driving. Then, set driving mode to turn on automatically by selecting Android Auto. Select Do not disturb to mute all calls, notifications, and other alerts except those you choose to allow. You can also choose what to do in driving mode, like open your maps or music app or read notifications aloud.
     
     For iOS, go to Settings > Focus > Driving which takes you to Driving Focus. Then, go to TURN ON AUTOMATICALLY by selecting While Driving and select Automatically. The driving focus will turn on automatically when you are connected to Bluetooth.
     
     Learn more about setting up do-not-disturb mode on Android or iOS.
4. Create a phone-free habit
   • Phones are incredibly useful in an emergency on the road, but nine times out of ten, that WhatsApp ping can be left for later.
     
     So, try practising going completely phone-free while you drive. This doesn't mean you have to leave your phone at home. Just start small by silencing calls and alerts.
5. Join the movement against texting and driving
   • Be the change with Discovery Insure and bp and help us put an end to one of the most dangerous driving habits: texting and driving.
     
     By getting involved, you are not only helping us create a nation of safe drivers, but you are also significantly reducing your accident risk. Until 30 June 2025, you can make a pledge to #DriveNowTextLater - and stand a chance to win your share of R1 million.
     
     Find out how to make your #DriveNowTextLater pledge.

Get rewarded for having good driving habits

Discovery Insure data shows that Vitality Drive clients reduce their accident risk by 15% within the first month of joining, and they have a 34% lower fatality rate than the South African average.

Vitality Drive uses innovative telematics to collect information about your driving behaviour. The better you drive, the more Vitality Drive points you earn, and the more rewards you get - like up to 50% fuel rewards every month.

Each day, you are allocated 60 points. You can maintain this daily goal by focusing on good driving habits like sticking to the speed limit, accelerating, cornering and braking smoothly, and not using your phone while driving.

Sources