Top 5 Driver Distractions That Can Cause Accidents

Now that we have kicked off the summer driving season, it is important to remember some simple ways to keep from being distracted while driving.

1. When you prepare to go on your drive. Be sure to adjust all your settings in your car before you leave. Anything from mirrors, to the radio, can be a major distraction while you are on the road.

2. Put your phone down. There is nothing that cannot wait. Texts, calls, and apps will take your eyes off the road, and 1 second is all it takes to cause major trouble.

3. Younger drivers become more distracted when there are friends in the car. However, the risk is reduced when carrying an adult or a child, compared with carrying no passengers.

4. Eating, Drinking, and Smoking while driving. Alcohol is a major no-no while driving. Did you know that even a normal beverage can distract you enough to have an accident? Same thing with food and smoking. Anything that takes your eyes off the road leaves you in a position to have an accident.

5. There are a lot of things that go on in your car while you are driving. But it is important to remember that you have to keep your eyes and ears focused at all times for all the distractions that happen outside the car. Pedestrians, signs, and even billboards take your eyes off of the road.

Let's have an amazing summer of driving on the Western Slope! Buckle up, and enjoy all the beauty that this area has to offer.

[rms.nws.gov.au]