Every time you get behind the wheel, you’re making a commitment—not just to reach your destination, but to protect your life and the lives of others on the road. Driving may feel routine, but it is a complex task that demands full attention. Even a momentary lapse in concentration can result in serious, sometimes fatal, consequences.
Today, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents worldwide. And while most drivers are aware of the dangers, many still engage in risky behaviors without realizing how devastating the consequences can be.
Here are some of the most common distractions that take your focus off the road—and why avoiding them could save lives:
📵 Never Text While Driving
Texting while driving remains one of the most dangerous distractions. When you take your eyes off the road to send or read a message, even for just five seconds, you could travel the length of a football field without seeing what’s in front of you. According to road safety experts, “You are 23 times more likely to crash if you’re texting while driving.” No message is worth a life—keep your phone out of sight and out of mind until you’re safely parked.
🍔 Don’t Eat Behind the Wheel
Many drivers think grabbing a quick bite during their commute is harmless. But eating while driving can be just as dangerous as texting. Holding food, unwrapping packaging, or dealing with spills forces you to take one or both hands off the wheel and diverts your attention. “Taking your hand off the wheel to grab that burger can mean the difference between stopping in time and causing a crash,” says a road safety spokesperson.
🎶 Don’t Let the Stereo Steal Your Focus
Music is a great way to enhance a drive—but fiddling with the stereo, adjusting volume, skipping tracks, or switching playlists can be distracting. “If you’re focused on your playlist instead of the traffic around you, you’re not fully driving,” warn experts. Pre-set your music before hitting the road or use voice-activated controls to keep your hands and eyes where they belong.
💄 Never Apply Makeup While Driving
Multitasking while driving is a myth—especially when it involves something as delicate and time-consuming as applying makeup. Not only does it take your eyes off the road, but it also compromises your reaction time. “Grooming behind the wheel is shockingly common, yet incredibly dangerous,” say authorities. If you’re running late, it’s better to arrive a few minutes behind schedule than not arrive at all.
🧑🦳 Don’t Let Passengers Distract You
From lively conversations to rowdy kids, passengers can be a major source of distraction. While it’s natural to talk during a drive, drivers must set boundaries. “It’s okay to ask passengers to keep it down if you’re feeling overwhelmed—your main job is to drive safely,” driving instructors advise. When dealing with children or upset passengers, it’s always safest to pull over before addressing the situation.
The Bottom Line
Driving is not the time to divide your attention. Each of the above distractions—no matter how trivial they may seem—can be deadly when combined with the speed and unpredictability of the road.
Remember: You can’t drive safely unless the task has your full attention. Stay alert, stay focused, and arrive alive.
Produced by
Safety and Victims Advocacy Foundation (The Gambia)
In collaboration with The Traffic Pulse Newsletter
The Traffic Pulse Newsletter
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