We’ve all been distracted before.  After all, we’re human, right?  The worse place to be distracted though is while you’re behind the wheel of your car, and nowadays it seems impossible not to be distracted in your car.  From GPS systems to DVD players, changing the radio stations to changing a cd, it’s a wonder that there aren’t more accidents!

One thing that I haven’t mastered, but which countless others have is driving while eating.  Perhaps it’s because I’m strange in the fact that I like to be able to relax while I’m eating, but eating while driving is a bad habit.  Here are some other distractions to avoid when you get behind the wheel of a vehicle:

1. Putting on Makeup-Ladies, this is something that really needs to be done prior to leaving your home.
2. Eating- It’s ok to eat in your vehicle; just make sure it’s something small that won’t require your full attention or both of your hands (i.e. unwrapping a Big Mac or eating Chinese).
3. Cell Phone Use- Using your cell phone should only be done in emergency situations.  If you are a chatty type person and really can’t go without talking, at least make sure that it’s a hands-free device.
4. Flipping Through Stations- This isn’t typically a huge problem for most people.  However, there are those who are driven to distraction because they absolutely have to find that perfect song.  In this case, bring a favorite cd or your ipod so that you won’t be as focused on switching the channel.
5. Reading- Reading should never be done while you are driving.  This also includes texting people from your cell phone as well as figuring out maps.  Pull over to the side of the road if you don’t know where you are going or if you want to text a friend back.

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