How to avoid distractions when driving

What distracts us most when behind the wheel, and how can we stay focused? Follow our advice to keep yourself and others safe.

Distractions behind the wheel

Getting distracted at the wheel hugely increases your risk having an accident. Staying focused will help keep you, your passengers and others safe. In this article, we’ll outline the biggest driving distractions and how to avoid them.

Distractions can be visual, auditory, physical or cognitive. Are you looking at, listening to or thinking about something that is taking your attention away from the road? In other words, are you doing something in addition to the process of driving?

Attempting to multi-task can dramatically reduce your driving performance, from your reaction times and decision making, to your overall control of the car.

Distracted behind the wheel

“As drivers, we now deal with more distractions than ever before,” explains Sandra Macdonald-Ames, a writer on road safety. 

“There are so many potential demands on our attention, some inside the car, some on the outside and others occurring inside our heads. There is the potential for us to allow any distraction to take our minds off the central task of driving – with potentially disastrous consequences.

“But the good news is that we can banish just about any distraction, as long as we want to. This is best achieved through straightforward self-discipline and sensible journey planning.”

Driven to distraction

touchscreen distraction highways england

So what distracts us the most, and how do we stop it? With help from GEM Motoring Assist, here are some workable tips for keeping your mind on the road.

Put your phone away

We hardly need to explain this one. Six points and a £200 fine is the penalty for using a mobile phone behind the wheel. Put it on silent, out of reach and out of sight, to avoid the temptation to check your messages.

Bored in traffic? Still don’t. It’s illegal to use your phone behind the wheel unless you’re at a standstill, the engine is switched off and the keys are out of the ignition. 

Map out your route

Planning your route is a great way to make driving easier. It means you’re prepared for every step of the journey, instead of constantly planning your next move. Having it rehearsed in your head means your sat-nav won’t be so much of a distraction, either.

Distractions behind the wheel

Create a music playlist

Unlike a club DJ, you won’t be criticised for having a prearranged set of music. In fact, we recommend creating a playlist in advance, so you’re not tempted to faff about finding particular songs. Keep the volume down and don’t get too into the music. We all love a singalong, but don’t let it divert your attention from the road.

Keep children occupied

Driving with children? They can be the noisiest, liveliest type of distraction. Make sure they have got something to keep them busy, so they don’t busy you. Older children should be less of a bother. Getting their help with observations can prime them for when they start driving, too.

Distracted behind the wheel

Don’t eat and drive

Your dietitian and car cleaner won’t be the only people who thank you for keeping food consumption out of the car. Holding a snack means you have a hand off the wheel, and your mini-meal could be a distraction. Pull over for a bite in a service station if you simply can’t wait. Breaks for food and drink are good practice on long trips, so it’s a win-win.

Stay awake!

Of course, all of this means nothing if you are too tired to drive. Generally, you should be taking a 15-minute break from the car every two hours. A well-rested, hydrated driver is a better and safer driver. Get some fresh air and stretch your legs. A coffee or energy drink might be in order as well.

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Motoring Research team
Motoring Research team
News, reviews, advice and features from the award-winning Motoring Resarch editorial team.

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