Tips to Cut Down on Distracted Driving

April is Distracted Driver Awareness month, and we here at Toyota Scion of Concord wanted to give our wonderful customers some pointers on how to stay safe on the roadways. Not only does distracted driving account for a high percentage of accidents on the roadways, but a distracted driver is 23 times more likely to get into an accident – yikes!

We owe our business to you, the customer, and it is our hope that every one of our customers will stay safe on the roadways, so below is our list to stay focused on the road.

1.       Download an app! (Before getting on the road, of course)

·         There are a number of apps, such as AT&T’s DriveMode, tXtBlocker, and “Drive First” by Sprint that can block texting and other distracting features on your phone to cut down on distractions.

2.       Eat First

·         We understand that sometimes in your busy lifestyle you have to grab a bite on the go, but it is a distraction. Plan out your meals and try to squeeze a bite in before hitting the road.

3.       Set a playlist

·         Searching for a station, shuffling through an iPod, or fumbling through CDs are all huge distractions that can take your eyes off of the road for far too long. Try to set a playlist, or pick a CD before driving.

4.       GPS

·         Set your destination before you take off, or if you must change your destination, use voice control options so that you are able to quickly say your destination and keep your eyes to the road ahead.

5.       For parents: make sure your children are occupied and buckled up

·         If you are a parent, you know what we are talking about. Make sure the portable DVD player and snacks are ready to go before hitting the road, it could make the difference in arriving safely with your precious cargo!

These are just a few things that can be done to be safer on the roadways, and it is up to you to make a change and commit to staying focused.

Stop in and let us show you the technology Toyota is implementing to cut down on distracted driving!

We look forward to seeing you, and stay safe!   

Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge to Promote Safe Teen Driving

Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge promotes safe teen driving practices

In 2010, Toyota and Discovery Education partnered to create Toyota Teen Driver, a web site and education program to give driving safety materials to teen drivers, parents, and educators. Today Toyota and Discover Education announced that they are accepting entries for their annual safe-driving video challenge.

In an effort to generate creative ideas to spread the word about safe driving habits for teens, entries are being accepted for the Toyota Teen Driver Video Challenge and the Toyota Teen Driver Educators’ Challenge through February 14, 2013.

The top ten original videos from students in grades 9-12 that address ways to make teens safer drivers will be chosen by a panel of experts based on “originality and compelling content.” The final winner will then be chosen by public vote on ToyotaTeenDriver.com. The top three students will be visited in their hometowns by Discovery Channel crews, who will document their stories to air on Discovery web sites and ToyotaTeenDriver.com.

First place in the student challenge will receive $15,000 in cash, second place $10,000 and third place $7,500. A prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the top seven runners-up.

This year, the contest is also open to educators, who are challenged with creating their own plans for keeping teen drivers safe.  The school of the winning teacher will receive a safe-driving assembly, led by Toyota Teen Driving experts, and a virtual driving simulator for driver education. The teacher will also win a $10,000 cash award and a trip for two to Washington D.C for four days, during which they will attend a safe driving conference. The runner-up teacher will win $5,000 in cash for him/herself and the assembly and driving simulator for the school.

According to Toyota, current research indicates 35% of all teen deaths - more than heart disease, homicide, suicide, and cancer combined - are from car accidents. Toyota wants to change that. “At Toyota, we are deeply committed to the notion that everyone deserves to be safe. We are glad to be working with Discovery Education to bring critical safety information to schools and students across the country.  This is an important commitment for Toyota and a vital part of our efforts to help ensure that drivers and passengers are safe at every phase of life,” said Patricia Salas Pineda, Toyota’s group vice president of National Philanthropy and the Toyota USA Foundation.

Toyota Scionof Concord is proud to represent a company that makes the safety of teen drives a high priority. We encourage students and educators in Concord and the Charlotte area to get involved with the Toyota Teen Driver Challenge to become more aware of safe driving practices while having fun and possibly earning some money! We also invite you to our dealership in Concord for a test drive of one of the cars from our selection of safe, reliable vehicles for teen drivers.