Distractions for drivers

When you drive, your full attention needs to be on the road. Even small distractions can lead to serious mistakes and collisions. Staying focused helps keep everyone safe.

What counts as a distraction

You are distracted when you do something else while driving. Most people cannot safely split their attention, especially when a task takes time or thought. Distractions make you slower to react and less likely to spot hazards.

There are three main types:

Physical distractions
These take one or both hands away from the steering wheel. Examples include using a phone, setting a sat nav, eating, or reaching for objects. Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal.

Mental distractions
These take your mind off driving. This can be a conversation, a phone call, or worries that stop you concentrating fully on the road.

Visual and audio distractions
These take your eyes or attention away from what is happening around you. Loud music, looking at something outside the vehicle, pets or passengers, or trying to read a screen can all distract you.

Why distractions are dangerous

Distractions reduce how well you observe what is around you. Drivers may:

• miss hazards and road signs
• struggle to keep safe speed and distance
• react more slowly
• make unsafe decisions

A common cause of collisions is simply failing to look properly.

Mobile phones and the law

Mobile phones are a major source of distraction. Using a hand‑held phone while driving is dangerous and illegal, even when stopped in traffic or at lights.

If you do, you can receive:

• £200 fine
• 6 penalty points
• loss of licence if you passed your test in the last 2 years

Hands‑free calls are still distracting. They do not remove the risk.

How to avoid distractions

Before you drive:

• plan your route
• set your sat nav and music
• send messages and make calls
• put your phone on silent and out of reach

While driving:

• pull over safely if you need to stop and deal with something
• keep music and conversations low
• avoid eating or drinking
• do not drive if you feel unwell, tired or very stressed

Take action

• commit to driving distraction‑free
• stop and park safely if you need to use your phone
• ask others not to contact you when you are driving