AAA's first tip: Don't use a cellular phone while driving. But if you must:

• Familiarize yourself with the features of your cell phone before you get behind the wheel.
• Use message-taking functions and return calls when you are stopped at a safe location.
• Use the cell phone only when absolutely necessary. Save casual conversations for times when your vehicle is stopped. Plan your conversation in advance, and keep it short - especially in hazardous conditions such as rain, snow or traffic.
• Let the person you're speaking with know you are in a vehicle.
• Do not engage in emotional conversations while driving. Pull off the road to a safe spot before continuing this type of conversation.
• Do not combine distracting activities such as talking on your cell phone while driving, eating and tending to a child.
• Ask a passenger in the car to place the call for you and, if possible, speak in your place.
• Secure your phone in the car so that it doesn't become a projectile in a crash.

Tips for Managing Distractions

• Before you get behind the wheel, familiarize yourself with your vehicle's features and equipment.
• Preset radio stations, MP3 devices, and climate control.
• Secure items that may move around when the car is in motion.
• Do not text message, access the internet, watch video, play video games, search MP3 devices, or use any other distracting technology while driving.
• Avoid smoking, eating, drinking and reading while driving.
• Pull safely off the road and out of traffic to deal with children.
• Do your personal grooming at home - not in the car.
• Review maps and driving directions before hitting the road.
• Monitor traffic conditions before engaging in activities that could divert attention away from driving.
• Ask a passenger to help you with activities that may be distracting.
• Recognize driving requires your full attention. If you find your mind wandering, remind yourself to stay focused on the road.

What about hands-free phones? They're not risk-free. Read more ...