D.O.R.C. Rules

You should never drive when distracted. If you’re tempted, try saying to yourself:
Today is the day I may die or kill someone because I’m not paying attention.

Below are rules and advice, to help you remember. We’d like your feedback!

Rules for drivers

1. Turn off the sound on your cell phone when you drive so you won’t hear messaging beeps.
2. Put your cell phone out of sight when you drive – that way you won't be tempted to look at it.
3. If you think you may be too tired to drive (and that includes nodding off even once), stop driving to prevent falling asleep at the wheel.
4. If you’re a passenger in a car and the driver is texting, reading messages or distracted for any other reason, ask the driver to stop immediately, and don’t take No for an answer.
5. Don't message your friends or family when you know they're driving – you could be the reason they die or are seriously injured in a collision.
6. Keep in mind that if you cause a collision when texting and a person dies, in some jurisdictions you will be charged with vehicular manslaughter and could go to prison if convicted.

Advice for parents

1. Set clear expectations for your children – no texting or other distracted driving. You may be surprised at young drivers’ views that “everyone” texts.
2. Ask your child if friends are texting when driving – encourage your child to speak up and tell the driver to stop texting or other distractions.
3. Set a good example – if you text, read messages, or are otherwise distracted when driving, you’re sending the wrong message to your child.
4. If you or a family member is injured in a collision caused by another driver, immediately ask the police to obtain the driver’s cell phone and retain text messages (which are kept in the phone for only a few days). Drivers won’t admit to texting and may blame other causes instead.
5. If your child kills or injures others while driving your car, you have financial liability – you may owe from your own pocket if you don’t have (enough) insurance.
6. If your child rides with friends, you need underinsurance coverage in case the driver is underinsured. You can link your umbrella policy to protect against underinsured drivers (for a small cost).