Top 5 Driving Distractions

It is becoming increasingly easy for a driver's attention to be drawn away from the road when behind the wheel. As humans, we naturally find many things intriguing and these things become even more intriguing if we happen to get bored behind the wheel. It is important that a driver's safety and the safety of others is ensured by concentrating 100% on the task at hand. Read on to find out the top 5 driving distractions.  

1. Eating and drinking

It goes without saying that drinking alcohol and driving is a major no-no. However, drinking even regular beverages while driving can take your focus away from the road. It is important to remember to keep both hands on the wheel at all times, no matter how obvious a tip this may seem.  

2. Passengers

Whether it is looking at the person in the passenger seat or turning around to speak to your children, passengers can be attention-grabbing. This applies especially to new drivers who travel with friends. The statistics tell us that there is a higher chance of causing a fatal crash when there are two or more people in a car.  

3. Adjusting on-board entertainment and electronics

It can be tempting to watch something if your vehicle has DVD playing capabilities. However, car manufacturers have wisely decided to only make it possible for the driver to watch something when the car is parked. Even adjusting the radio or navigation system can be extremely distracting and dangerous while driving. If it is very urgent, then the best thing to do is pull up and adjust any on-board gizmo.  

4. External distractions

As if there was not enough going on inside the car, those happenings going on outside the car can also attract attention. These distractions are not limited to other road users and pedestrians; they extend to billboards, shops and many other things the human brain finds interesting. As a driver you have a duty to pay attention to the road in order to preserve the safety of yourself and others.  

5. Phone communication

Today’s society allows us to communicate instantaneously via multiple mediums. Phones are now more advanced and they have become a staple of everyday life. We need to be available and in contact with others for important reasons, but none of these reasons should be at the expense of your or anyone else's safety. Therefore, if you absolutely must communicate whilst driving, your best bet is to use a hands-free system so at least your hands remain on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Texting and other communication using your hands are illegal and frowned upon.