After you’ve been driving for a while it almost becomes second nature. So much so that you probably think that you can do it with one eye closed. Or, more accurately, one eye glued to your cell phone.

You see it everywhere you go, on the bus-stops, the movie theaters before the film starts, and even in the magazines you read - promotional material telling you what no to do when driving. Or, more importantly, telling you to keep your focus on the road.

How to Prevent Distractions Catching Your Attention

If you struggle to keep your focus on the task while driving, below are some tips from Jim Ackney which can help you avoid some of the most common driving distractions.

Start With Your Music

As easy as it is to become distracted as you drive listening to your favorite songs and recreating your favorite scenes from their accompanying music videos, the real distraction from music happens when you get bored and want to listen to something new. You only need to take your eyes off the road for a split second because you became bored with the slow music playing on the way to the gym to cause a collision. The best way to prevent this distraction is to plan ahead. One night when you are on the couch and half-watching a movie, take out your phone and create some playlists:

• Travel to the gym
• Drive to work
• Drive home from work
• Smooth driving
• A long road trip

If you have any other particular errands or trips which you make and you think could benefit from a devoted playlist, be sure to make the time to create one. With these already in your phone, you can get into your car and easily choose the best music for the entire trip ahead to prevent you from needing to change the music. Click here to keep your engine in shape with AMSOIL’s Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. Designed to improve engine performance and reduce engine wear, trust products in the AMSOIL range when performing your next synthetic oil change in Edmonton, AB Canada. To find out more or to place an order, speak with Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545.

Calls and Texts

It’s no surprise that the biggest phone-cased distractions come in the form of calls and texts. After all, despite the range of other features and service your device offers, the classic calls and texts are still at the top of the list. When it comes to preventing these distractions, the answer is simple. Turn your phone off and leave it out of reach. Of course, in 2018, this likely isn’t going to be something you’re interested in. Instead, use your phone. That’s right - this tip comes in in the form of using your phone to prevent using your phone. If your cell phone is under two years old then there is a good chance that there is a powerful digital assistant hiding inside. While you may know it as the ‘annoying thing that keeps popping up when I don’t want it to’, if you take some time to set up your assistant, it can be a helpful tool. Consider this example:

• You are driving to complete an errand
• You receive a text
• You look away from the road to see where your phone is
• You glance at the screen to see if it’s important
• Even if it’s not important, you likely grab the phone and read the message in its entirety
• You might even take the time to reply!

This all happens while your vehicle is in full motion. By taking a small amount of time to set up your digital assistant, however, the scenario looks very different and much safer.

• You are driving to complete an errand
• You attach your phone to your dashboard - out of sight but close enough to hear
• You receive a text
• Your phone (quite loudly), speaks to you - “You have received a text from David. Would you like to listen to the message?”
• You reply - “Yes”
• The message is read to you.
• Your phone then asks - “Do you want to reply?”
• You answer - “No”.

All of this was done without you needing to take your eyes, or your attention, off the road! And even better, it was all done by your phone without you having to spend any money on additional apps or devices.

Prevent Dash Light Distractions With a Synthetic Oil Change in Edmonton, AB Canada

Of course, these aren’t the only two distractions to occur, however they are two of the most common. Another problematic distraction comes in the form of your dash lights flashing to get your attention. Be sure to keep your car in good shape to avoid these flashing lights from taking your attention. A simple synthetic oil change in Edmonton, AB Canada is the best place to start with at-home engine maintenance and can keep your engine running smoother for longer. Speak with Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545 to find the right product for your needs or to learn more about the benefits of a synthetic oil change in Edmonton, AB Canada. If you would like to know more and would prefer to read more about each product, check out the online store.