5 Distractions Teens Must Eliminate For Safe Driving

19 February 2015 by Elijah Steward

When you think of driving distractions, especially for teens, the first thing you think about is texting while driving. However, this is not the only distraction that teens have to deal with. There are several others that should be avoided as well, including the following:

1. Pets in the Vehicle.

Your four-legged furry friend may enjoy a ride in the car, but this can create a very dangerous situation. This is particularly true with younger, newer drivers who are not as experienced driving on the road with distractions. Teens should keep pets out of the vehicle. However, if a pet must be inside the car, it is crucial that the animal is securely strapped in a car harness to keep it from moving around.

2. Smoking.

Although many parents wouldn't want to say that their teen does anything wrong, the truth of the matter is that most teenagers do. For example, first-time drivers are too young to purchase cigarettes, but they find a way to get their hands on them anyway. Aside from health concerns, smoking while driving is extremely dangerous. It takes both hands to light the cigarette and when you flick the ashes or the butt out the window, your attention is taken away from the road.

3. Eating.

Driving through a local fast food restaurant can save a lot of time. You can save even more time by eating while you're driving. Unfortunately, this is a huge mistake. From unwrapping a hamburger to keeping your drink from tipping over, there are just way too many distractions to deal with while trying to eat and drive at the same time. Take the 10 minutes to eat inside the restaurant or in your parked car before getting out on the road again.

4. Daydreaming.

Everyone likes to daydream every now and then. Teenagers love to do it while at school, but they can also do it while driving. Whether you're daydreaming because you're tired or you're stressed, you are a dangerous threat to yourself and other people on the road when you decide to try and drive. If you have a lot on your mind or you are occupied in some other way, break down and call someone to pick you up. It may be a minor inconvenience at first, but it's well worth it to prevent an accident.

5. Too Many Passengers.

When teenagers get their license, they want to tell everyone about it. They want to take all of their friends for a ride. Unfortunately, this can be very dangerous. While it's fine to have a passenger or two in the car, it is crucial that the driver pay attention to the road and keep conversation to a minimum. There should be absolutely no goofing around in order to keep everyone in the car safe.

Remember, no distraction is worth risking your life for. Make sure to be aware of common distractions and do what you need to do to eliminate them in order to ensure that you are safe every time you get behind the wheel. Professionals like Muchmore Insurance can give you more tips on how to be a safe driver

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