4 Major Distractions While Driving and How to Avoid Them

Even though millions of people do it every day, driving is incredibly dangerous. You’re piloting a multi-thousand-pound metal box powered by explosions. Yet, many people routinely get behind the wheel distracted from the task at hand. Are you guilty of distracted driving?

1. Eating

If you’re eating or drinking, your mind is focused somewhere other than the road. You’re trying to drive with one hand while you move food, hold a drink, chew and swallow, all without putting your full attention on the road. Worse, a spill is an accident almost guaranteed to happen. You’ve heard "don’t drink and drive," now you can add, "don’t eat" to be safe.

2. Rubbernecking

Accidents happen. Interesting people use sidewalks. Houses burn down and trees fall. The world is an interesting place, and it’s our natural inclination to slow down and look. When you’re driving, however, is not the time. Every moment your eyes aren’t focused on the road and the cars around you is a moment you can make a mistake. Worse, everyone else around you is driving the same way. One accident can lead to another all too easily. Keep your eyes on the road and come back later if you need to see what happened.

3. Texting

No two ways about it; texting and driving is a bad idea. You have at least one hand off the wheel, if not both. Your eyes flit between the road and the phone. Your mind is distracted while you focus on composing your text instead of driving. Put the cell phone down and treat your car like it’s an isolated box away from communications. If your message is really that important, pull over to send it. Check out this article by NW Injury Law Center about the penalties of driving while texting.

4. Zoning

Driving when you’re tired is incredibly dangers. It’s particularly bad because you may not realize how tired you are. The effects of stress and exhaustion are subtle. Even if your full attention is on the road, you may not even realize you’ve been staring at the same spot for two miles. Your eyes need to be moving constantly, and your mind with them, for safe driving. Try to sleep before you drive, and if you’re in the middle of a long road trip, pull over for a nap.

Anything you do in your car that takes your hands, eyes or mind off of the task at hand is a potential accident waiting to happen. Even glancing down for a second to change the radio can result in a collision. Put the distractions away and drive safely.