Distractions cause many accidents for both new and experienced drivers. Taking your eyes off the road for even a second can have bad results.
Here are some tips to avoid distractions:

• Don't eat in the car. Fumbling with food, dropping food, or trying to drive with one hand can cause problems.
• Avoid fiddling with radio or temperature controls, or mirrors, or your seat, etc., while driving. It is better to pull over and adjust anything, then return to the road.
• Don't use cell phones while driving unless you can talk hands-free. Pull off the road in a safe place to make calls. That way you can concentrate on the dialing and conversation without putting you and your car at risk.  Remember, cell phone use (unless it’s hands-free) and texting while driving is against the law in the District.
• Check your vision, and if you need glasses, be sure to wear them while driving.
• Wear sunglasses when driving in bright sunlight. Sun glare can also be a distraction.
• Avoid playing the radio too loudly; you may not be able to hear sirens from emergency vehicles.
• If something falls on the floor, don't try to pick it up while driving. Wait until you are parked.

Remember:
NEVER… email, text, tweet, chat, or anything else on your phone or other device while you’re driving! Just don’t read anything when you are behind the wheel—not the newspaper, not a good book, not your best friend’s frantic text—not even a map. If it takes your eyes off the road, it could take your life.