DRIVING AND OPERATING 185Driving InformationDistracted DrivingDistraction comes in many forms andcan take your focus from the task ofdriving. Exercise good judgement anddo not let other activities divert yourattention away from the road. Manylocal governments have enacted lawsregarding driver distraction. Becomefamiliar with the local laws inyour area.To avoid distracted driving, keep youreyes on the road, keep your hands onthe steering wheel, and focus yourattention on driving.. Do not use a phone in demandingdriving situations. Use ahands-free method to place orreceive necessary phone calls.. Watch the road. Do not read, takenotes, or look up information onphones or other electronic devices.. Designate a front seat passengerto handle potential distractions.. Become familiar with vehiclefeatures before driving, such asprogramming favourite radiostations and adjusting climatecontrol and seat settings. Programall trip information into anynavigation device prior to driving.. Wait until the vehicle is parked toretrieve items that have fallen tothe floor.. Stop or park the vehicle to tend tochildren.. Keep pets in an appropriate carrieror restraint.. Avoid stressful conversationswhile driving, whether with apassenger or on a mobile phone.{ WarningTaking your eyes off the road toolong or too often could cause acrash resulting in injury or death.Focus your attention on driving.See the infotainment manual forinformation on that system or thenavigation system, if equipped,including pairing and using a mobilephone.Defensive DrivingDefensive driving means “alwaysexpect the unexpected.” The first stepin driving defensively is to wear thesafety belt. See Seat Belts 0 67.. Assume that other road users(pedestrians, bicyclists, and otherdrivers) are going to be carelessand make mistakes. Anticipatewhat they might do and be ready.. Allow enough following distancebetween you and the driver infront of you.. Focus on the task of driving.Control of a VehicleBraking, steering, and accelerating areimportant factors in helping to controla vehicle while driving.
