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We all know that the majority of drivers multitask. They fiddle with the radio, drink coffee, eat, nurse babies, get dressed, shave, apply makeup, watch movies, talk to passengers or on the phone (or both), text, read books they even paint their toenails and go to the bathroom out the window! A survey released in January this year by Nationwide Mutual Insurance "shows 81 percent of Americans do more than drive when they're behind the wheel".

This is all obviously extremely risky behavior, and it stands to reason that such distracted driving doesn't bode well for traffic safety statistics: according to the Insurance Information Institute in the US, "A study released in April 2006 found that almost 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds of the event". It is interesting to note, however, that while cell phone use was the most common cause of distraction identified in the III-quoted study, it turns out that it was far less likely to be the cause of a crash than, say, reaching for an over-tipping cup of coffee (increased the risk of a crash or near-crash by 9 times as opposed to 1.3 for cell phone use). I can only imagine how much more likely a crash would be for those flexible enough to try and paint their toenails while behind the wheel.

While there is merit to regulation, there are also limits to its effectiveness. Ultimately drivers need to be accountable for their behaviors behind the wheel. If regulation is the key to eliminating driving risks associated with multitasking, the list of offenses needs to be exhaustive and incorporate all manner of distractions that could potentially contribute to a crash. Enforcement logistics will need to be addressed, with appropriate detection and apprehension mechanisms introduced.

There is no easy solution to this. Drivers will always be distracted, whether as a result of rampant multitasking, driver inexperience or other factors. The resources available to enforce safe driving practices will never be sufficient. Some would advocate an entirely laissez-faire approach based on the assumption that drivers are adults who are able to effectively weigh the risks and makes responsible decisions. I submit that the Nationwide survey referred to above clearly shows this is not the case. People do, however, need to be accountable for their decisions.

Some alternative approaches I would suggest are:
- More rigorous driver training to improve

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