How to use a phone when driving, while staying safe

Our phones are packed with great functionality that improves our driving experience and makes things easier for us. You can perform all necessary tasks on your phone without having to actively use it. I will show you how to use a phone when driving, with safety tips to follow.

1. Make use of a phone mount
   A phone mount is a good structure to hold your phone securely when driving. It positions your phone at eye level, so it’s visible without having to hold your phone or adjust it from time to time.
   The best spots to place the phone mount are the dashboard and the vent. A question people ask a lot is “Can you put a phone holder on the windscreen?” and the answer is yes, but make sure it doesn’t block your view of the road. If you’re a driver that uses the GPS a lot, then the phone mount is for you.
2. Use an in-dash system
   Instead of using a phone mount, you can make use of an in-dash system. You can either use Apple CarPlay or an Android Auto, they both work well with phones, and they keep you concentrated as well as improve your driving experience. Using this dash system will mirror the functions of your phone and place it on the bigger screen of the dash system.
3. Use a Speakerphone or headset
   You can get a “one-touch” function Bluetooth headset for answering and ending calls with ease. If your vehicle has a speakerphone built into its system, you can use that instead for convenience. Both a speakerphone and a headset work perfectly for those who are always receiving calls. However, both have their downsides. Using a headset for long hours can cause discomfort, while a speakerphone will pick up background noise when driving on the highway.

Safety tips for using phones when driving

1. Understand how your phone works

You need to have been using your phone for quite some time before you decide to use your phone features when driving. If your phone has keypads, you should know where each button is so you can
perform speed dial functions easily without losing your concentration on the road.

2. Make everything you do hands-free
   While I suggested that you know every single keypad of your phone for speed dial functionality, I mentioned this with the belief you’ll only utilize it once or twice. You need full concentration when
   driving, and the best way to achieve that is by hands-free operation. You can set up voice assistants on your phone to keep you concentrated on the road.
3. Avoid serious conversations
   If the conversation you are having on your phone is getting too serious, and you’re starting to get emotional and losing concentration, you have to end that call. If the weather condition is hazardous and you’re driving on the road, stop any conversation you are having on your phone.
4. Position your phone screen for a clearer view
   You need a very clear view of your mobile phone, so position it in a way that you won’t have to strain your eyes or spend so much time focusing on the screen. As said earlier, use voice assistants for additional security. Knowing how to use a phone hands-free in a car will help you a lot.
5. Never make a call, only receive calls
   If you want to make a call, you will have to search your address book for the number you want to call, and that will make you shift concentration from the road to your phone. This is disastrous, no matter how fast you feel you can get the number, anything can happen within a split second. To be on the safe side, only receive calls, do not make calls.

How to use Google Assistant driving mode

With the Google Assistant driving mode, you will be able to navigate the road with Google Maps, and at the same time, you can make calls, read and send messages and control your media player. For Google Assistant driving mode to work seamlessly, your phone has to be Android Version 9.0 or higher, it has to be 4GB RAM or more, and you must tilt it to portrait mode. Here is how to go about
it:

1. Make sure your phone’s voice command is activated
2. Launch the Google Maps app
3. Search for the destination you’re going to
4. Tap on “Start”

(Since the voice command has been activated, you just need to say “Hey Google, navigate to [input
destination]”)

• Other actions you can perform within Google Maps are:
• Sending a message to a particular contact
• Making and receiving a call
• Getting your message read
• Playing songs

Alternatives to Google driving mode

Android Auto connectivity of the Sygic app improves your driving experience with your phone. You can use it in place of Google Driving mode, and it is easy to use.

How to check Android Auto compatibility with phone and car

You can’t use this feature on all devices and cars. You can make a quick search online to know if it’s compatible with your phone and car. However, if you’re unable to get a suitable answer, you will have to check it out via your car’s infotainment system.

1. Plug your phone into your car’s infotainment USB port.
2. Search for Apps then tap on it.
3. Tap on the Sygic app from the list.
4. If you see Connected to Android Auto that means your phone and car are compatible with Android Auto.
5. Use a USB cord to connect your phone to the infotainment system
6. Wait for the Sygic GPS Navigation icon to show
7. To start the route tap on the Sygic icon.
8. Control the Sygic app with the buttons or knobs of the infotainment system.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to use a phone when driving, you will be able to use your phone to make things easier for you. However, at Mobility Arena we do not condone the active use of your phone
when you drive due to how disastrous it can be. When driving with your phone as a way to navigate or perform other tasks, make sure you’re cautious and make use of only voice commands. If you can’t actively focus on the road, put your phone away.

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