Road accidents and traffic deaths rose in the USA throughout 2016. A lot of factors contributed to this, such as more people on the road and poor weather conditions. But it’s hard to ignore the fact that a lot of collisions come down to human error.

Distracted driving has become one of the key issues for drivers. People take electronic devices everywhere- including their car. Failing to keep your eye on the road can result in serious problems. But are you getting distracted while driving? It helps to consider whether you’re prone to some of these common distractions while driving.

Talking And Texting

Using your phone while driving is a cardinal sin of the road. You should never have your hands on your phone instead of on the wheel. It’s one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and must be avoided at all costs.

Of course, having your phone with you is essential. Should any accidents occur, you’ll need to make calls to your insurance provider and might need to call for help. It’s important you know what to do and who you can call after an accident. But while driving, keep your phone away.

A lot of cars now have connectivity features which allow you to use your phone hands-free. You can take calls without taking your hands off the wheel. As for texting, it’s better to leave it until when you’ve stopped moving.

Apps

Your phone can become a distraction in another way. Many driving apps are available to help you out on the road. But using these at the wrong time can divert your attention away from the road. Make sure you use apps responsibly.

The worst thing you can do is play games while driving. That was exemplified clearly this year by the rise in road accidents caused by the Pokemon GO app.

If you need entertainment while driving, stick to music or even audiobooks. Don’t fall into the trap of turning to your phone. It puts you at a huge risk of danger, as well as everyone else on the road.

Drinking Or Eating

It’s understandable that when you’re in a rush, you might want your breakfast on the go. But this can be risky. Drinking or eating while driving can distract you more than you think. It’ll take your hand off the wheel and can divert your attention from what’s on the road.

It doesn’t hurt too much to take a quick sip while you stop at a light. But avoid eating or drinking while moving. The same applies for smoking.

Car Infotainment Screens

Many cars these days feature intuitive infotainment screens. These can be useful for giving you touch-screen controls and driving statistics. At the same time, they can take your attention away from the road. Features like new gadgets can also be distracting.

Avoid looking at these too much while driving. If you’re using a GPS system, use voice features, so you don’t have to look away from the road. Also, don’t try to adjust settings such as your radio station while moving. These measures will help prevent you from getting distracted.