what can you do to make sure you aren't tempted to use your phone while driving?

The most effective way to make sure you aren’t tempted to use your phone while driving is to combine tech tools (like Do Not Disturb and driving apps) with simple physical habits (like putting the phone completely out of reach) and clear personal rules.

Quick Scoop

• Set the phone up before you move.
  • Start navigation, music, or podcasts while parked so you don’t need to touch your phone on the road.
  • Decide who you might need to call or text and handle it before shifting into drive.
• Use built‑in “driving” features.
  • Turn on Do Not Disturb / Driving Focus so calls and notifications are silenced and auto‑replies are sent while you’re driving. Many phones can switch this on automatically when they detect driving or connect to the car.
  • Consider Airplane Mode if you don’t need data at all during the trip.
• Physically remove the temptation.
  • Put your phone in the glove box, a bag on the back seat, or the trunk so you literally cannot grab it at a red light.
  • If you need it for navigation, place it in a fixed mount at eye level and commit to only glancing for directions, not touching apps or messages.
• Use hands‑free the right way.
  • If your car has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a Bluetooth system, use voice commands for calls and navigation rather than holding the phone.
  • Keep conversations short and avoid emotional or intense calls; even hands‑free talking can pull your mind away from driving.
• Install “lockout” or safe‑driving apps.
  • Use apps that block notifications, limit access to certain apps, or send auto‑replies while you’re moving. Some also score your driving and help you see how often you’re distracted.
• Make a simple zero‑phone rule for yourself.
  • “If it’s important enough to look at my phone, it’s important enough to pull over safely and stop the car.”
  • Don’t text or call other people when you know they’re driving; that reinforces the same boundary you want for yourself.
• Plan for boredom and habits.
  • Choose playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks in advance so you’re not scrolling for something “better” while driving.
  • If you usually scroll at lights, replace that habit with a different cue, like checking mirrors, watching pedestrians, or taking a few calming breaths.
• Use gentle social pressure.
  • Ask friends or family to call you out if you touch your phone while driving, and do the same for them.
  • If you’re driving with passengers, hand your phone to someone else and let them be the “designated texter” or navigator.
• When you must use your phone, do it safely.
  • Pull into a parking lot or safe lay‑by, put the car in park, then check your phone.
  • Avoid the “I’ll just quickly reply at this red light” mindset—your attention is still off the road, and lights can change faster than you realize.

Bottom line: Treat your phone like any other serious distraction—lock it away, automate your settings, and give yourself one clear rule: no phone use while the car is moving.

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Practical, modern strategies to avoid phone use while driving: Do Not Disturb, driving apps, hands‑free tools, physical habits, and simple rules to remove temptation and stay focused on the road. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.