CHARLOTTE — It’s easier than ever to lose focus while driving. With complex screens and controls, sometimes the distraction comes from the car itself. To make things easier and safer, Consumer Reports recommends getting to know your car before you hit the road.
“You want your car controls to help you stay focused, not distract you,” Maddie McCarty, an engineer at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, said. “So when you’re sitting parked in your car, take a moment to look at all of the features that are important to you.”
Then there’s your phone. It’s dangerous, and illegal in some states, to handle a cell phone while driving. Still, more than 1 in 5 drivers reported engaging in smartphone-based distractions on most or all of their trips.
“When driving, you need to keep your eyes on the road,” McCarty said. “Even looking away from the road for two seconds can double your crash risk.”
To prevent having to look at your phone, Consumer Reports says to disable notifications, and connect to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay for navigation and audio.
If you need to send a text, pull over somewhere sage and put your car in park before picking up your phone.
If you’re still struggling with your car’s controls, you can stop by the dealership. They should be able to help you figure out how everything works, likely free of charge.
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