This article was published in 2012 and updated in October 2026.
We all know we shouldn’t drive while distracted, and few things distract us more than our phones. Talking, texting or scrolling at the wheel can cost you a fine and points on your licence — and, far worse, cause a crash. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 3,275 people on US roads in 2023. Here are five tips to stay safe when your phone is in the car.
1. Let your phone silence itself
The safest call is the one you don’t take while driving. Both iPhone and Android phones have a driving mode — Driving Focus on iPhone, Driving mode or Do Not Disturb while driving on many Android phones — that can switch on automatically when you start driving or connect to your car’s Bluetooth. It silences notifications and can send an automatic reply saying you’ll get back to people later.
2. Go hands-free — and set it up before you leave
In many places, including the UK, much of Europe and most US states, holding a phone while driving is illegal. Use your car’s Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, or a secure phone mount if your car has none. Enter your destination, start your playlist or podcast and connect your phone before you set off, so you don’t need to touch it on the road.
3. Pull over when you need your phone
If you really have to make a call, read a message or change the route, find a safe place to stop first, such as a parking lot or rest area. The hard shoulder of a motorway is for emergencies only. Once you’ve stopped, you can use your phone without risk.
4. Use voice commands — but keep it short
Voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant let you start calls, play music or get directions without taking your eyes off the road. Still, keep interactions short. Research shows that even hands-free conversations take attention away from driving, and dictating long messages can be just as distracting.
5. Use common sense
Your car is not the place for emotional or stressful conversations. Ask yourself whether the call is really an emergency — ordering dinner, chatting with a friend or answering a work e-mail can all wait until you arrive. No message is worth risking your life or the lives of others.
Phone use while driving: the bottom line
Avoid using your phone while driving whenever you can. Let technology help you — driving modes, hands-free systems and voice commands — and when you need your phone for anything more, pull over first.
Image credits: top image and bottom image via Flickr.
Suraj
Feb 21. 2012
Thanks for such a wonderful article! It helped me a lot in improving my knowledge.
admin
Feb 21. 2012
Glad that it helped you …
Nick
Feb 21. 2012
using cell phone while driving is an very dangerous and it may cause many accident
admin
Feb 21. 2012
Yep .. that is why one needs to avoid cell phone use while driving at all possible times
Tracyann0312
Feb 21. 2012
Head set can also be safe to use while driving. In Taiwan, headset is commonly used when people are driving. It can help them in safe communication while driving. But, there are a lot of phones activated mail voice for safe driving.
Steve
Feb 21. 2012
I’m completely for fining for the use of sell phone while driving. The person who talks on the phone behind the wheel endagers not only his or her life, but also the life of the passengers and other people on the road or pavement. Hands free is a good way out in such a situation. Surely it’s better to pull over but sometimes it’s impossible.
admin
Feb 21. 2012
Thanks for your comment Steve …
Mushfique
Feb 21. 2012
One of the main causes of accidents nowadays is due to mobile phones. In my point of view, there should be a law to totally ban using the mobiles while driving. Might sound harsh but its for the best for both the driver and the others.
admin
Feb 21. 2012
You’re right … Safety comes first !!
Khajamoin
Feb 21. 2012
Great! tips thanks you I always have a problem of calling while driving… will try this out
Derek
Feb 21. 2012
Nice safety advice here, too many people across the world are injured due to needlessly being on their phone in dangerous situations. Voice activated dialing/bluetooth is a good option and safe if a phone call is essential but in my opinion the phone should not be used at all when in control of a vehicle.
admin
Feb 21. 2012
Truly said… Mobile phone driving should be avoided at all times
Dan
Feb 22. 2012
Great tips. I will share these with my wife, she is always talking and facebooking while driving.
zamahsari
Feb 22. 2012
It is not wise to use a phone while driving but if you insist you can use SIRI voice command assistant or the like to help you operate your phone. So you don’t need to touch it.
Lily
Feb 22. 2012
Good reminder. I always put on my earphone whenever I’m expecting a call and I needed to drive someplace.
admin
Feb 22. 2012
That’s a great act, Lily…
Reetika
Feb 22. 2012
#5th one seems nice to me. Thank you for info.
Puneet
Feb 23. 2012
Its better to stop by for a minute and do wateva with the cellphone .. if its a long call then better use handsfree, bluetooth or else on turn on the speaker
Michael
Feb 23. 2012
As stupid as they look headsets are really great to use while driving to keep your attention on the road. In the grocery store maybe not so much…
Tiffany
Feb 23. 2012
I usually stop the car when I have to text or call someone. Though I admit that I sometimes text while driving but I see to it that my focus is on the road not on the cellphone. That’s why if it is something important, I really stop the car. Great tips though. 🙂
admin
Feb 23. 2012
Thanks for the comment …
Apps127
Feb 24. 2012
I desire to say that i like this post a lot.I believe you are right about that. I just heard the same statistic on the radio yesterday about cell phone users while driving being the equivalent of drunk when it comes to their reaction times. Been there done that. It can definitely be a serious distraction using a cell phone while driving. It’s a good idea to pull over if you need to use the phone. It’s still easier than using a pay phone.
zack
Feb 27. 2012
Good points. I remember there are some apps also that helps when driving while talking. One of them tells you if you are too fast while talking so that you can either slow down or stop talking and start concentrating.
admin
Feb 27. 2012
That’s really cool …
banti
Mar 02. 2012
-Good piece of information.
Shine
Mar 03. 2012
I think it’s wise to just pull over if the call is really important.
Nila
Mar 13. 2012
I strongly agree with these tips to save lives – not only of the driver, but others too. This reminds me of billboard with the sign that goes something like: “The next life you save could be yours.”
karan
Mar 18. 2012
that’s the only time where I find Siri(iPhone 4s) to be of some use. Great tips.
Betty
Mar 31. 2012
I think the best way would be to utilize a hands free system because sometimes important calls come in when we’re inside the car..
Ann
Mar 31. 2012
Safety first. Don’t think of yourself but think of others. If it can wait, just use your phone when you are not driving.
admin
Mar 31. 2012
You’re absolutely right Ann … Thanks for stopping by !
Lee
Apr 01. 2012
Using a mobile while driving is constantly in the news now. Weare all aware of the dangers. Let’s be honest we are all distracted when on the phone whether we want to admit it or not. Using an ear piece that is always switched on and connected is about the safest way of using a mobile in my experience as minimal disruption is caused to your driving.
Thanks for post very informative
admin
Apr 02. 2012
Thanks for stopping by ..
TechCrates
Apr 30. 2012
nice cell phone handling tips..thanks
John
May 22. 2012
Thanks for all these tips. I hope people respond to it to avoid unnecessary and unwanted road accidents. I for one am using a hands free system.
NicholasBedford
May 25. 2012
Great tips for those who like to use the cell phone while driving. (I’m actually one of them), so I will definitely be keeping these tips in mind.