Texting and driving kills, but no one thinks about other distractions. From eating to jamming to the latest hits to the passengers around you, any distraction can lead to a tragedy no driver wants to perceive. 

Driving responsibly is not just an option, it’s an obligation of you as a driver to protect yourself and the ones closest to you on the road. 

Eating, listening to music  and having passengers are every bit as dangerous as having a phone out because you are still being distracted by someone or something. 

The law about cell phone use in a car was put in place to protect people while all these other distractions are not enforced by law but are all are not encouraged because it is still dangerous.

Driving with a phone and eating while driving are both visual distractions, both divert your attention away from the road, and may require you to take your hands off the wheel. Both distractions are dangerous and if combined, they will pose an even greater risk.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the estimated amount that the secondary task distraction of eating and drinking from an open container or dish while driving increases the likelihood of near-miss crashes or crashes by nearly 39%. 

39%. These statistics are shocking and highlight the urgency that’s needed to stop distracted drivers from eating on the road.I see this all the time on the road, not just eating, and I just think it all needs to stop and that law enforcement needs to work harder to control this issue.

Listening to your music is fine and all but don’t turn it into a distraction, it is not worth risking your life.

According to the Association for Psychological Science, music can cause teens to tune out and I am not talking about changing the station or changing the volume, I am talking about the actual music. This can be a recipe for disaster for other drivers, not only teens.

I am not saying that you can’t have music, but what I am saying is just be careful and keep your eyes on the road, or even better, have a friend change the radio station for you.

Speaking of friends, you should always be careful when you have a friend ride with you and make sure he does not distract you from the second most important job that you have, driving, but even more importantly, protecting other passengers.

Stay safe out on those crazy roads and listen to my words, don’t let distractions get to you.