Eliminating Distractions as a New Driver

A woman behind the wheel of a car looks shocked and holds a smartphone in one hand.

Learning to drive represents one of life's most exciting milestones, but it also comes with serious responsibilities. One of the biggest challenges new drivers face is avoiding distractions while behind the wheel. Even a few seconds of distraction can quickly turn a standard drive into a dangerous situation.

To put things into perspective, if you take your eyes off of the road for 5 seconds while driving at 55 mph, you'll have driven the length of a football field without seeing where you were going, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Staying focused and minimizing distractions is essential to keeping yourself and everyone else on the road safe.

The Three Types of Distracted Driving

Driving distractions can be categorized into three main types: manual, visual and cognitive. Each one affects your ability to drive safely in a different way.

Manual distractions involve taking your hands off of the steering wheel, visual distractions pull your eyes away from the road and cognitive distractions take your mind off of driving. Understanding these categories can help you recognize risky habits and avoid them before they become dangerous.

Manual Distractions

Manual distractions happen when a driver takes one or both hands off of the wheel. These actions might seem harmless in the moment but can significantly reduce your control over the vehicle.

Common examples include eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or air conditioning, or reaching for something in the passenger seat or back seat. Even something as simple as unwrapping a snack or picking up a dropped item can cause a driver to drift from their lane or not notice a traffic light changing.

To avoid these distractions, develop the habit of keeping both hands on the wheel. Plan ahead by setting your music, temperature and navigation system before you begin driving. If you need to adjust something after you set off, wait until you've safely stopped. Small decisions like these can make a big difference in preventing accidents.

Visual Distractions

Visual distractions occur whenever you take your eyes off of the road, even briefly. These distractions can include looking at your cellphone, checking on passengers in the back seat, reading billboards, or rubbernecking at an accident scene. The problem with visual distractions is that they happen fast; you may think you're only glancing away for a second, but at highway speeds, that second can mean traveling dozens of yards without watching where you're going.

To reduce visual distractions, put your phone in "Do Not Disturb" mode before driving, and mount your GPS device at eye level so you don't have to look down and take your eyes off of the road. Avoid turning your head to look at roadside signs, and resist the temptation to check messages or take photos while you're behind the wheel. Staying visually focused on the road ahead at all times helps you remain ready to react quickly to unexpected changes.

Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive distractions are mental distractions that occur when your mind isn't focused on driving. Even when your hands are on the wheel and your eyes are on the road, your thoughts can wander.

Daydreaming, worrying about an argument, replaying a conversation, or mentally planning your day can all reduce your awareness of the road. Driving while angry, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs also falls under this category; these states cloud your judgment and slow your reaction time.

To maintain a clear and calm mindset, avoid driving when tired or distracted by strong emotions. If you're upset, take a few minutes to cool off before starting the car. Remember that being mentally alert and emotionally steady helps you notice potential hazards and make safer driving decisions.

Five Steps New Drivers Can Take to Eliminate Driving Distractions

Eliminating distractions to drive safely takes more than awareness. You also have to build good habits and practice them every time you drive. To help you do just that and stay focused and safe on the road:

Silence or turn off your phone before driving. Most smartphone operating systems now have driving modes that silence notifications automatically. Turning off your phone or storing it out of reach helps you resist the urge to check messages or scroll while driving.
Finish eating, drinking, or grooming before getting behind the wheel. These tasks take your hands and attention away from driving. Taking a few extra minutes to finish them before you start driving reduces the temptation to multitask.
Keep your driving environment simple and calm. Avoid loud music or distracting conversations, especially when you're still building confidence as a new driver. A quiet car allows you to better hear emergency sirens, horns and road noise that can signal potential hazards.
Drive with a clear state of mind. If you're feeling tired, angry, or emotionally overwhelmed, it's safer to wait until you feel calm and focused before getting behind the wheel. Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or anything that impairs your ability to think clearly.
Set up your car before driving. Adjust your seat, mirrors, temperature and navigation system before you take the car out of park. Preparing in advance eliminates the need to fiddle with controls or screens as you drive.

Every driver faces distractions, but new drivers are especially vulnerable because they're still learning to respond to traffic conditions and unexpected situations. By understanding the three types of distractions and taking simple steps to minimize them, you can greatly reduce your risk of accidents.