A guide to: The most common driving distractions

Driver distractions have the potential to cause a loss of concentration and control. Here at National Accident Helpline, we take a look at a few common driving distractions, and how to avoid them!

Using a mobile phone behind the wheel is likely the most common driving distraction most of us think of.  Unfortunately, many drivers are guilty of making a quick call or answering a short text when driving, but the fact is this is dangerous and illegal. 

If caught using a hand-held phone while driving, you could get:

• a £200 fine
• six points on your driving licence

With the advancements in mobile phones such as hands-free features, there is no excuse for the distraction of using a hand-held phone while driving.

Driving at the wheel of a car has been reported as one of the most common driving distractions. 95% of motorists in a survey admitted to eating and drinking behind the wheel, which is actually more distracting than you may think.  Imagine you spill a hot drink on your lap or eat something greasy causing your hand to slip on the steering wheel.

However, if you engage in the dangerous driving distraction of eating and driving on the road, you could be prosecuted and receive:

• three points on your licence
• £100 fine

Eating and drinking while driving can almost increase the chance of an accident while driving by double!

The use of in-car screens is, somewhat unsurprisingly, a common driving distraction nowadays. Whilst such technology is designed to help us along our car journeys, the temptation to look at them often and play with or adjust what's on the screens can inevitably lead to being distracted from the task of driving safely.

So while these high-tech gadgets are made for use when driving, it is important not to use them to the point of them becoming a driving distraction. 

It may sound somewhat silly, but unsecured items - which could include luggage, shopping or even rubbish - have the potential to be a big distraction to a driver. Moving objects in your car can easily distract you, taking your eyes and ears off the road and the world around you. 

It is, therefore, important to keep your vehicle clear of moving objects. Though they could also include insects such as flies buzzing around you when driving your car, which are a bit more difficult to stop!

A common driving distraction is children. When parents drive a car they often have their children with them so they can easily, and understandably, get distracted by telling them off during the car journey. 

Pets can also be a common distraction while driving, such as when they need to be controlled on a car journey. Also, they may simply be wandering around your vehicle freely which is a massive distraction. 

The environment around you can easily distract you while driving a vehicle on the road. This can include having a conversation with a person or being on a hands-free phone.Listening to loud music whilst driving can also be a dangerous distraction.

The environment around the vehicle can also be a common driving distraction. For example, billboards nowadays are very interactive and you can be distracted by them when driving. Also, passing a vehicle crash incident can cause a distraction while driving - many drivers are naturally interested to see what's happening, even if there's potential such distractions could lead to an accident of their own!

Being tired at the wheel or having low concentration levels is a common driving distraction that many of us have probably experienced at some stage. However, it is a dangerous driving distraction and one you must avoid. It is far better to pull over and take a nap where suitable to do so, rather than drive tired. 

Making the poor decision to drive while tired is not simply a common driving distraction but a risk to the lives of all around you. 

Daydreaming whilst at the wheel, or simply thinking about other things when driving, is more distracting than you might think. In fact, according to the AA, 49% of drivers often think about their time of arrival when driving to their destination. 

Sometimes our worries can distract us whilst driving and as driving can become something we do as a habit, it is easy to let our minds wander when driving. Letting our minds wander for too long can easily lead to an accident. 

Some of us are intent on looking good no matter what the occasion, for some, this includes when driving a car. As a result, grooming or applying cosmetics is a common driving distraction, such as, for example, doing your hair. Worse still, some people have been caught shaving while driving a car and 5% of UK drivers have held their hands up to apply make-up at the wheel!

Grooming or applying cosmetics is a dangerous common driving distraction, one reason for this is that many of us find it difficult to do two different things at once and this results in an obvious decline in our performance such as our driving skills.

You must try to avoid accident-causing distractions when driving. Some people may not think that driving distractions cause bad accidents, but out of 4,573 injury accidents caused by a driver being distracted, 774 were serious and sadly some caused death.

Ways to avoid accident-causing distractions can be as simple as properly planning your journey. There are many ways to avoid accident-causing distractions, such as:

• clear your car before you drive to avoid distracting clutter
• programme your sat nav before you start your journey
• put your phone away when driving
• have your favourite music set up and ready before you drive
• try to rest well before a long journey
• if you are upset or stressed, avoid driving
• ensure children are strapped in safely before you begin your journey
• make sure pets are safely harnessed in your car
• avoid heated topics during discussions
• pull over if a child is upset rather than trying to sort out the situation while driving

If you do find yourself in a car accident you must know what to do. Here are some essential tips:

• turn off your engine
• turn on your hazard lights
• call emergency services as necessary
• if able to, take photos of the accident and injuries in case of a future compensation claim
• collect witness details

^{Last updated 10.07.23}