Mercedes doesn't want you busy with other stuff while driving. They think you should be comfortable, know where you're going and, um, well fed. And apparently you should constantly be thinking about how you feel.
Mercedes held driving academies recently in California for teens to teach the dangers of distracted driving on a course. They've also put together a list of things you should keep in mind before driving and while you're behind the wheel, ranging from things that are common sense to things that have never occurred to me.
Here they are as follows:
Before you leave
- Plan ahead by mappingout and review ingyour route before you start your drive
- Adjust mirrors, seats, climate control and radio before you start driving or ask your passenger
- Turn off your cell phone or place it out of reach. Store it in a glove compartment, back seat or in the trunk
- Have a snack prior to driving to help avoid eating while you are driving
While driving
- Pull over if you need to make a call or send a text message
- Be a responsible passenger. Do not allow anyone to drive you if they are distracted
- Do a "head-check": How are you feeling? Are you anxious? Do you feel sick? Are you feeling stressed out? Make sure your mind is on driving before you even make your trip!
I can really understand now why the Germans didn't put cupholders in for so long. What I am confused about is that "head-check." Imagine if it were some Mercedes engineer asking you repeatedly from the passenger's seat, "Are you hungry?
Yeah, I'd definitely crash.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz