Driving Academy of NWA gives tips on how to avoid distracted driving

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safety behind the wheel.

KNWA/FOX24 spoke with Kimma Harper from The Driving Academy of Northwest Arkansas for tips on how drivers can avoid distracted driving.

“It is not just bad people that have wrecks because they’re texting or talking while driving,” Harper said. “It is just ordinary people who make a bad choice. They don’t get to determine the consequences, and sometimes the consequences are not what they think it’s going to be.”

Harper shared several practices to combat distracted driving. Among her recommendations is to set up your GPS navigation systems and audio preferences before embarking on your driving journeys.

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“Set up your GPS route, put your music on shuffle, and adjust your volume before putting your car in drive,” she advises. Such preparatory actions, Harper suggests can help drivers maintain focus on the road ahead.

Harper encourages drivers to, “Imagine your loved ones being on the road or a pedestrian crossing the street”.

By visualizing potential scenarios, drivers may aim to have a better awareness of their surroundings.

There are several ways your phone can help you practice safe driving habits by being in a “Drive Focus” mode. The feature is also accessible through an app available on Google Play and the App Store.

Drivers of all ages, even parents with younger kids, should always practice safe driving habits because kids begin learning behaviors at young ages,” Harper emphasized.

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