Driving is an activity that requires your complete attention. Although some people think that they can drive while talking on their cell phone, or yelling at the kids in the backseat, or even while listening to a loudly blaring radio, the truth is that these distractions are just one added factor to your risk of getting into an accident. So, if you minimize these distractions, you can help reduce your chances of getting into a car accident.

Talking

Chatting on your cell phone, texting, or even screaming at your kids to stop hitting each other are all risks that can result in a car accident. People have been conditioned so well over the past several years from overuse of cell phones that they often think that they are immune from accidents because of their experience with cell phone use. However, this is an added distraction, and even if you think that you can multi-task as well as any good secretary, would you rather know the result of this distraction or prevent it from happening?

In California, people who are seen talking on their cell phones while driving will be fined. This has stopped cell phone use somewhat, although people still use the speakerphone option or have installed Bluetooth into their automobiles. These alternatives, however, are still distractions nonetheless.

Listening to music

Driving can be boring especially if you commute to and from work. Most people will listen to the radio or to their CD's and will not think that doing so may someday be the cause of an accident. Listening to music is not the immediate cause of any accident. In fact, it is up to the person to listen responsibly. For example, headbanging should not be done, and you shouldn't lose so much focus that you stop keeping your eyes on the road. Remember that even removing your eyes from the road, even for one second, is a big no-no.

Eating/drinking

If you're thinking of reaching for that bag of chips or French fries, think again. If your body isn't totally in your seat while you are driving, you have a greater chance of getting into an accident. If you want to eat or drink, park somewhere. Stopping for five minutes is better than risking another person's, and your own, life.

Even though you cannot certainly predict that you will or will not have an accident every time you drive your car, you can take some precautions that can help you avoid getting into a car accident. However, driving is all about trust, and even if you follow these precautions, you cannot know for sure whether or not other drivers will do the same.

Learn more about this author, Joan Inong.
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