What should drivers avoid to minimize risk while driving?

Using mobile devices while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents. This is due to the cognitive and physical distractions they create. When a driver uses a phone for texting, calling, or navigating, their attention is divided between the device and the road. This distraction can lead to slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and an increased likelihood of missing important visual and auditory cues, such as traffic signals or the sounds of sirens.

In contrast, while listening to music, driving with passengers, or eating may also cause distractions, they typically do not carry the same level of risk as using mobile devices. For instance, listening to music can be a safe part of driving if it doesn’t take the driver’s focus away from the task at hand. Driving with passengers can even promote safer driving by providing an extra set of eyes on the road, as long as the interactions remain manageable and do not escalate into distractions. Eating can be risky but is generally less disruptive compared to a mobile device that requires active engagement.