How can I improve my mobile use score?

The best way to improve your mobile use score is to reduce both physical and cognitive distractions. Understanding how they’re measured can help you build safer driving habits – and a better score.

Reduce physical and cognitive distractions

Many people think distracted driving only happens when you physically hold your phone. However, hands-free use impacts your score too.

Physical distraction: This means interacting with your phone while driving, like texting, swiping or unlocking the screen. Even if your phone is mounted, tapping the screen lowers your score. Limiting screen interaction is an easy way to stay safe and improve your score.

Cognitive distraction: This is the time spent on phone calls while driving, whether they're handheld or hands-free. Avoiding phone calls altogether is the best way to stay focused on the road and improve your score.

Save phone calls for later

While hands-free calls are legal, they still create cognitive distraction. Even with your eyes on the road, your mind is on the conversation, which can slow your reaction time. To improve your score, let calls go to voicemail. If you must take a call, pull over safely first.

The best thing you can do is set your phone to Do Not Disturb before you drive. The app measures the duration of your calls: the longer the call, the higher the impact. Silencing or declining a call may still register as a distraction, but if you don’t move the phone, the impact is minimal and nothing to worry about.

Set music and maps before you leave

Setting your playlist and destination before you drive will help improve your score. If you don’t touch your phone during the trip, music and navigation apps have little to no impact – even with the screen on. Still, keeping the screen off is the safest option.

Avoid using your phone – even when stopped in traffic

Many drivers wonder if it's okay to check their phone at a red light or in a drive-through, since the car isn't moving. Because you’re still operating a vehicle, using your phone in these situations is unsafe and illegal. To avoid distractions and drive safely, it’s best to wait until you’re safely pulled over or parked to use your phone.

Safety tips for a better mobile use score