With distracted driving still a major cause of accidents on roadways around the United States, it is every driver’s responsibility to reduce risk. Installing a phone mount is an effective way to prevent distracted driving accidents, as it keeps the phone out of your line of sight, limits active use, and minimizes the amount of time you spend looking at electronic devices while on the road.

Why Distracted Driving Is Still a Major Traffic Safety Risk

Despite years of ongoing public safety campaigns, distracted driving still remains one of the most persistent issues on the road, having led to over 3,000 deaths annually in recent years. There are generally three types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive.

In the past, distracted driving was more limited as there were fewer items that could pull a driver’s attention, but modern technology has changed things. Smartphones in particular are a driver behind this change. Mobile phones are a unique technology that have evolved rapidly in recent years and, for all their benefits, they are also one of the greatest distractions on the road as they cause all three of the aforementioned types of distracted driving.

Even just a few seconds of distraction on the road can be devastating for a driver. For instance, something as simple as taking your eyes off the road for five seconds can be the equivalent of driving the length of a football field while blindfolded depending on speed. This is why doing your part to reduce this modern version of distracted driving by putting your phone in a mount is crucial.

Best Types of DIY Car Phone Mounts

Installing a phone mount in your car is a recipe for smarter and safer driving on the road. Luckily for you, there are plenty of affordable DIY mount options available for use, with costs not going higher than around $30 on average. The four most popular car phone mounts that you can install yourself include:

• Vent Mounts: This type clips onto your car’s air vent and is one of the easiest DIY options as they’re compact, don’t leave residue, and keep your mobile device at eye level.
• Dashboard Mounts: Dash mounts attach with suction cups or adhesive pads and often feature adjustable arms or telescopic stands, thus giving drivers more control over phone placement.
• Windshield Mounts: These mounts provide a strong suction-based car phone holder directly on your windshield. They are great for easy visibility, but they are illegal in some states if placed in the driver’s line of sight.
• Magnetic Mounts: Available in vent, dash, or windshield styles, this type of mount uses a small magnet to hold your phone in place in conjunction with a metal plate that is attached to the back of your device or its case.

Cup holder mounts are another option; however, we do not recommend them as vehicle cup holders are typically not within a driver’s safe view.

None of the above phone mounts are particularly expensive unless you are purchasing from a luxury brand. Better yet, they can all be found on common online retailer sites like Amazon and eBay or in person at stores like Target and Walmart.

How to Install a Phone Mount for Maximum Safety

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to install your phone mount correctly. This will help ensure maximum safety while driving. First, ensure that your view of the road is not obstructed when the mount is installed. For most mounts, this means putting it near the center console or just off to the side of the dashboard.

Second, properly clean the surface you will install it on if you are using a suction or adhesive mount. Rub the area with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth to remove dust and ensure a firm connection between the surface and mount. You should apply pressure for at least 30 seconds when installing your mount to be sure it will hold.

Finally, always adjust your mount to fit your personal ergonomic preferences. This means tilting or swiveling the mount so that you don’t need to turn your head to glance at your phone. Also, go the extra mile to avoid driver distraction and engage Bluetooth voice guidance on your Android, Apple, or Google phone so you don’t even need to look at the screen.

Tips for Hands-Free Devices and Staying Focused

Installing a car mount is a quick and easy way to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, but it’s not foolproof. For example, hitting a bump in the road may send your phone flying and, by instinct, you may easy reach to grab it, only to inadvertently cause an accident by jerking the wheel. While an extreme example, it underscores the importance of taking additional steps beyond just installing the mount to keep yourself hands-free.

Some of the most prominent of those tips include:

• Enable Voice Control: Voice-activated assistants like Siri or Google Assistant can handle texts, calls, or directions hands-free if you enable voice control in your Bluetooth settings ahead of time.
• Pre-Set Your GPS and Music: Enter your destination and select a playlist before you start driving, ideally selecting one that has a duration longer than your drive.
• Use Do Not Disturb Mode: Many phones have driving modes or cell phone blocking technology that automatically silence incoming notifications or auto-reply to texts, but consider switching this on manually if needed.
• Limit Screen Interaction: Avoid tapping or swiping while driving and, if you must change something, pull over safely before doing so.

How Extended Warranties Support Safe Driving Habits

Staying safe on the road isn’t just about reducing the chances of you grabbing your phone and sending a text. It’s also about knowing that your vehicle is protected through and through so that you can have peace of mind and be calm while behind the wheel. An extended car warranty or vehicle service contract can do exactly that by offering you protection against mechanical breakdowns, with coverage options varying from high-level to nearly that offered by a manufacturer warranty.

At Endurance Warranty, we offer a range of auto protection plans that can be customized to suit your specific needs. So, whether you’re looking to cover only the most important components under the hood with our Secure Plus plan, comprehensive coverage with our Supreme plan, or something else, we can work to find the best plan for your needs. Additionally, the benefits don’t stop there.

All Endurance contracts come with one year of Elite Benefits, for a small activation fee, offering bonus perks like key fob replacement, windshield repair, reimbursements for up to four tires per year due to road hazards, and more. Give yourself peace of mind and stay calm on the road knowing your vehicle is protected.

Stay Safe on the Road While Reducing Distractions

Installing a phone mount by yourself may seem like a tedious task and only a small upgrade, but its impact on your focus and road safety can be meaningful. Combining this with a commitment to hands-free driving and supported by comprehensive vehicle protection from a provider like Endurance, you can have peace of mind while staying secure behind the wheel.

Take just five extra minutes before hitting the road today to mount your phone and adjust your daily driving habits so that distracted driving is one less thing you need to worry about. If you are interested in a vehicle service plan, contact an Endurance advisor at (800) 253-8203 to discuss what plan may be right for you or shop on our eStore to see your price right away.