We’ve all been there, sneaking the odd text whilst driving or sipping a coffee at the wheel in the morning rush hour. What we don’t think of is the danger we are putting ourselves and other motorists in.

A recent study by Brake – the road safety charity, estimates that as much as 22% of car accidents can be caused by distracted driving. So what are the most common distractions and how might we minimise the risks they cause?
[dropcap]1[/dropcap]
Mobile Phones
Can you believe it’s almost 11 years since using a mobile phone whilst driving was banned? Sadly it is still one of the top distractions for drivers and according to THINK! using a mobile phone whilst driving reduces your reaction time and diverts your attention away from the road. You are four times more likely to crash when using a phone whilst driving. Talking, texting and updating your social networks are some of the common reasons people use their phone behind the wheel.
If you don’t have a hands free kit yet you like taking calls when driving – jump online and order one now.  Or consider a mobile app such as “Drive Safe”, which will read out your messages so you don’t have to multi-task.
[dropcap]2[/dropcap]
Eating and Drinking
Research by Lytx Europe – the global driver risk management company, states that drivers who eat and drink at the wheel are 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a collision. Drinks such as coffee cause a higher risk, as hot liquids can spill and cause concentration to be lost from the road. One handed driving can also mean drivers lose control of their vehicle, resulting in an incident. If you have to take a long road trip the trick is to plan your breaks along the way so you can rest and grab a bite to eat. If you need a caffeine fix have it at the service station or wait until you arrive at your destination.
[dropcap]3[/dropcap]
Passengers
Squabbling kids in the back seat can be a nightmare and a major driving distraction, however according to the AA, adult passengers are actually more of a distraction than children. Out of 18,026 AA members surveyed, 18% said adult passengers are more distracting than anything else. You can easily lose concentration whilst your friends are chatting but don’t be afraid to tell them to keep their voices down, especially if you’re approaching a junction or cross roads.
[dropcap]4[/dropcap] 
Twiddling around with in-car accessories
This includes fiddling with the radio and entertainment system, sat-nav and adjusting the temperature. Whilst these may only take us seconds to alter, it means our eyes are off the road and we are distracted. If you need to alter something urgently, always pull over when it is safe or ask your fellow passenger to do it for you.
[dropcap]5[/dropcap]
Rubbernecking
Most of us at some point or another have slowed down whilst passing an accident to see what is going on. This is known as rubbernecking and is a major driving distraction in the UK. By taking your eyes off the road you leave yourself and other road users vulnerable, even if you look away for a few seconds you are taking a massive risk.
Earlier this month police officers in Hampshire caught over 60 drivers photographing a lorry crash whilst driving on the A34. This caused long delays and eventually saw the A34 being shut. Police officers recorded number plates of the 60 rubberneckers so a letter could be sent to the registered keepers, informing them of a penalty charge or an opportunity to attend a driver’s awareness course. To avoid getting a fine or being forced to attend a naughty class, don’t take pictures whilst driving (yes it’s that simple).
If you would like more advice on driving distractions or if you have some of your own suggestions, leave a comment below or tweet us at @hpicheck.
Happy driving,
Priya