Distraction Checklist

Don’t become another teen statistic or adolescent cliche by driving while distracted. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for young people, and multi-tasking while behind the wheel is a big contributor to teen driver crashes. So, keep that compulsive behavior in check by reviewing this common list of driving distractions.

1. Music. Find your station, CD, or MP3 playlist before leaving the driveway and never take your eyes off the road for your audio-obsession. You can always change the station at a stoplight if necessary.

2. Friends. Having other people in the car drastically increases a teen’s crash risk. So, don’t let your friends become a distraction or force for peer pressure. Drive the same way you would with parents or a driving instructor.

3. Food. Eating in the car is never a good idea. In fact, fast food in general is pretty terrible. Save yourself the calories, acne, and stomach ache by eating real food at a real restaurant.

4. Phone. Just put that phone in the back seat and forget about it. Texting and talking on the phone are a serious distraction for people of all ages.