The Biggest Driving Distractions Are Avoidable

Everywhere you look, something or someone is fighting for your attention. As a driver, your attention should always be focused on the road ahead and in the rearview & side mirrors. Unfortunately, it's easy for new drivers and experienced drivers to become distracted by what's around them.

But not all distractions are found outside your vehicle. In this article, we'll focus on driving distractions inside your car -- avoidable distractions that lead to unsafe driving.

The Cell Phone -- A Distraction You Can Hear

The cell phone. It can be a lifesaver, helping drivers stay safe by providing them with a way to contact help in the event of a driver safety emergency. Many driver education courses will tell you how valuable a cell phone can be. Unfortunately, too many drivers take the cell phone for granted and view it as a convenient tool to stay in contact.

While the convenience factor is appealing, using a cell phone while driving can severely compromise driver safety for both the cell phone user and other drivers on the road.

The first problem with using a cell phone while driving is that your eyes will be removed from the road. Sure, this absence of safe driving might only be for a temporary few seconds while you ensure that your thumb hits the correct speed dial button. But in those few seconds, a jogger could cross the street, a child could run into the street to grab a ball, and another car could cut in front of you. Unfortunately, you won't see any of it because in those few seconds, you felt the need to call home and find out what's for dinner. The result? Good thing you have that cell phone because you might need it to call an ambulance.

It's pretty difficult to keep your hands at ten-and-two when one hand is holding a cell phone. Hang up the phone and drive safe.

Tell The Map To Get Lost

Lost drivers are unsafe drivers. With a map in one hand and written directions on the seat next to you, the results can be disastrous. Don't compromise driver safety. Pull over to the side of the road wherever it is safe to do so, turn on your hazard lights as instructed in your driver's education course and consult your map and written directions. It may take a little bit of time to pull over, but it is more likely to help you stay safe on the road.

Avoid Distractions, Avoid Accidents

It's easier than you think to avoid driving distractions and stay safe on the road. These logical tips are re-enforced in driver education courses across the country every day. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, new drivers and experienced ones fail to remember that taking their eyes off the road can lead to unsafe situations. Next time you're behind the wheel, before you grab that cell phone and before you reach for that map, think about everyone's safety. Remember, convenience takes a back seat to safety.