Throughout the media, road safety campaigners have raised their voice against distracted driving in the United States.

The goal is to minimize the exponential number of crashes and educate Americans about safety driving.

Regardless of age and experience, drivers are still vulnerable to the increasing number of distractions, which are not only reduced to technology, but also simple habits including; playing with the stereo, eating while driving, and any other activity that removes people’s attention from their primary task.

In fact, distracted driving constitutes approximately 25% of all motor vehicle crash fatalities in the U.S. of which teenagers rank as the most vulnerable age group to the effects of road distractions.

Again, your primary task is to drive safely and able to make informed-decision prior to making any maneuver that could affect your safety behind the wheel.

For that reason, here are 5 extraordinary ways to avoid distracted driving.

Heads up and phones down

You’ve probably seen a sign on the road alerting you against the use of phones while driving, mostly because people tend to be attached to their devices.

A good advice is to put your phone down at all times regardless of who is texting or calling you.

If, by any chance, you are getting a “life-changing” text or call, you are advised to pull off the road safely and proceed to use your phone.

Even hand-free devices are a real source of distraction, not to mention that it is an illegal habit in some jurisdictions. Be mindful and avoid committing infractions.

Avoid drowsy driving

It should go without saying that well-rested drivers are less vulnerables to suffer a car accident.

If you are feeling tired, it’s a good idea to take a nap and get your energy back before getting behind the wheel.

As a matter of fact, a recent study reported that 37% of American drivers have nodded off or fallen asleep at least once ever since they started driving.

Be cautious. It makes more sense to take a nap and be late to your destination rather than not getting there at all.

The number of passengers impacts your driving

In principle, this type of distraction majorly affects teen drivers who aren’t as experienced as adult drivers when operating a vehicle.

That’s the reason why many state’s graduated driver licensing laws ban teenagers from having other young passengers with them when driving without adult supervision.

Attention, teenagers: Driving with friends creates an environment where you are more likely to get distracted by the noise from other passengers inside your car, increasing the chances of getting involved in a crash.

Eating while driving is also distracting

When you are running late for work or any other important meeting, there’s little time to enjoy a solid meal prior to hitting the road.

However, grabbing your Starbucks coffee or burrito breakfast while handling the steering wheel is not a safe decision whatsoever.

You are strongly advised to get up earlier than your usual time and plan your day in a way that doesn’t inflict your safety while on the road.

Leave your multi-tasking skills at work

You may be tempted to do other things while on your way to your destination, which won’t make you drive any safer to say the least.

A proactive, responsible driver arranges the music playlist, makes their calls, and finish their meals before and after reaching their destination.

Why would you put yourself in a situation where your safety is at risk? Your safety is more important than any other last-minute task you need to do while driving.

Focus on the road, check around for road signs and other vehicles that are getting closer, and be cautious.

SEE ALSO: Stop Making Excuses! 4 Reasons To Stop Texting While Driving