Tips for driving responsibly while using your mobile phone

New Delhi, May 19: Distracted driving is a serious and growing threat to road safety. Unrestricted mobile phone use while driving can be lethal. This is why it is highly advised not to combine the two whenever out on the open road traveling. This risk appears to be similar for both hand-held and hands-free phones, because it is the cognitive distraction that is an issue, not only the physical distraction associated with holding the phone.Studies further suggest that cell phone use while driving can be risky especially for young and inexperienced drivers—who are already extremely vulnerable to crashes. Mobile phone use also often involves associated tasks that may further distract the driver. These activities can include writing down phone numbers on a piece of paper whilst driving or writing down dates or notes in diaries. Here are some safety tips that you need to follow while driving on the road:1. Never read or send SMS, take notes, look up phone numbers Always keep your eyes on the road and do not read or send SMS text messages or take notes during a call while driving.2. Mount your phoneUse a kit to amount your mobile on your vehicle's dashboard. These kits come with microphones and speakers. When inserted into the docking station, your cell phone is immediately converted to a speakerphone while the battery is charged. A lot of kits are compatible with multiple brands and models.3. Tell callers you're driving while on the phone Make the other person know that you are driving. This lets them know that you may not always respond immediately and reminds you that driving safely is your first priority.4. Use message services to answer calls If a call is unnecessary or you consider it unsafe to answer at the time, don't answer the call and let it divert to voicemail or an answering service.5. Do not engage in stressful or emotional conversations that may be distractingStressful or emotional conversations and driving do not mix — they are distracting and even dangerous.