How To Eliminate Driving Distractions

Driving can seem like a mundane, day to day deal, something ordinary and basic. While this may be true, it's also true that driving can be dangerous - and made worse by distractions. There are so many things being thrown at you every day, and they don't go away when you get behind the wheel. At Bledsoe's Towing, we see first-hand the dangers of distracted driving. As the best tow company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we respond to the scene of many incidents, and we don't want you to be the next. Here are a few ways you can decrease distractions while you're driving and help keep you safe on the road.

What Is Distracting You?

Did you know that 10 percent of all drivers 15-19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time? At any given moment in the United States, there are 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating an electronic device. So what is distracting you, and what is considered distracted driving? It's any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. Here are a few things competing for your attention:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone or smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
• Smoking
• Pets

How to Eliminate Distractions

The most important thing is to focus on driving. If there is anything that is grabbing your attention, do what you can to eliminate it. Adjust your mirrors and find your radio station before you start driving, and put your cell phone in a place where you don't have access to it. If you think anyone will be concerned that you don't answer your cell phone immediately, you can state in your voicemail that you don't answer while driving and that you will get back with them soon. There are no reasons that are better than your safety.

Another way to eliminate distractions is to stow away all loose articles in your car. It's instinctive to want to catch something if it rolls or flies across your vehicle, so if you secure it safely before you begin, that is one less thing to worry about.

Keeping You Safe From Beginning to End

At Bledsoe's Towing, we know first-hand how dangerous it can be to drive distracted, and we hope that you use safe driving practices so that you don't have to call us. If, however, you do find yourself in a sticky situation, Bledsoe's Towing provides the best 24-hour towing at the Lake of the Ozarks. We would be glad to come get you and bring you back to the shop to then figure out what happened. Visit our website to learn more about our services, or give us a call at (573) 346-7050!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Tips for Driving Safely In the Dark

While driving can always come with a certain amount of risk, the risks are increased at night. Did you know that the accident death rate is three times more likely after sundown? While you can't exactly get out of driving places when it gets dark, there are a few things that you should remember to help keep you and everyone on the road safe when you head out later in the day. Let the best automotive repair company at the Lake of the Ozarks show you a few tips and statistics about night driving.

Night Driving Dangers

Did your grandparents ever tell you that nothing good happens after 10 PM? Well, on the road that is the case in many situations. While it's mostly just related to vision problems, there are other dangers to be aware of. 32% of crashes at night involve at least one driver who has consumed alcohol. It is not safe to drink and drive, so if you'll be enjoying a night out on the town, be sure to have a designated driver prearranged, or find other means of transportation.

In many cases, night driving is only dangerous because the lighting is low and vision problems become more prevalent. In fact, 90% of driver's reaction times are affected by the influence the light has on their vision. Night driving can affect your depth perception, color recognition, and even your peripheral vision.

Drowsy driving is also a hazard of driving at night. It dulls your concentration and slows your reaction time to anything that can happen. If you feel the slightest bit drowsy while you're driving, it's best to find a place to pull over and rest up or switch drivers. While Bledsoe's Towing is the best tow company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would rather not see you put in harm's way from sleeping at the wheel.

• Night Driving Tips to Keep You Safe
• Keep your headlights, taillights, signal lights, and windows clean for easy visibility.
• Make sure your headlights are aimed properly.
• Reduce speed and increase your following distances at night.
• Don't use your high beams when following or approaching another vehicle.
• If you're blinded by oncoming traffic, use the edge of the road as a visual guide.
• Keep your eyes moving rather than focusing on one area.
• Always watch for deer, turkey, possums, racoons and more.
• Watch for the flash of headlights, other drivers could be signaling you to troubles ahead.

24 Hour Towing at the Lake of the Ozarks

At Bledsoe's Towing, our primary goal is to make sure that you and your family stay safe while on the road. Whether that's during the day or night, in normal driving conditions or hazardous ones. Should you ever find yourself in a bind while on the road or have troubles with your vehicle even in the driveway, we'd love to help you out!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing & automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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Tips for Rainy Weather Driving

While summer is commonly known for the high heat indexes, and making sure that you don't lock your pets and kids in a hot car, it can also be known for random and severe thunderstorms. Rain always provides an element of surprise, as with any weather changes. As the best automotive shop at the Lake of the Ozarks, we want to make sure that you and your car stay safe on the road through every season, rain or shine. Here are a few things to remember when a sudden storm pops up.

Don't Use Cruise Control

While cruise control may seem harmless in the rain, it removes the control you have over driving, especially on roads that may be dangerous. Excess water on the road can a loss of traction, and when you aren't correcting for it as it happens by letting off the accelerator, you could find yourself somewhere you didn't want to be. Remember that if something unexpected does happen, be sure to call the best towing company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Keep Both Hands on the Wheel

If there are large gusts of wind or chances of hydroplaning, you'll want to have both hands on the wheel and be entirely focused on what's happening. If you are driving a large vehicle or towing a trailer, this is especially important.

Treat Your Windshield

It's always a good idea to use a windshield protecting formula on a regular basis so when it does rain cats and dogs you are prepared and can easily see. There are many products on the market that are made for keeping your windshield waterproof, and they can make driving in the rain a lot safer. Here is a video to show you the difference between having a rain shield product and not.

Turn Your Headlights On

It is Missouri law to turn on your headlights when your windshield wipers are required. While you may feel like you can see your surroundings and that your headlights aren't necessary, having your lights on does make it easier for other people to see you. When the weather is dark, dreary, cloudy or even foggy, this can make a huge difference in visibility for others seeing you.

Give Other Vehicles More Space

While it's important to give other vehicles plenty of space on a beautiful day, it's also incredibly important when the weather is somewhat dangerous. The Missouri Driving Guide from the Department of Revenue says that you should follow the Three Second Rule (and no...this is not the same rule you follow when you drop food on the floor!)

"THREE SECOND RULE
A good way to measure your safe following distance is to use the “three second rule.” Choose an object near the road ahead, like a sign or telephone pole. As the vehicle ahead of you passes it, count slowly, “One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three.” If you reach the object before you finish counting, you are too close to the vehicle ahead."

When driving in rainy weather, add one or two more seconds to that to create a safe space between you and the car ahead.

The Best Car Maintenance at the Lake of The Ozarks

No matter what the weather conditions, accidents can happen, even if you are a safe driver. At Bledsoe's Towing, we want to keep you on the road longer, and that starts with safe driving practices. If, however, you do find yourself in a position where you need a car mechanic at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would be glad to help you fix the problems and get back on the road!

Serving the Lake of the Ozark with all towing at automotive 

needs - big or small!

www.BledsoesTowing.com

322 South Business Route 5

Camdenton, Missouri 65020

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