According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute distractions are the number one cause of crashes (85% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes involve driver distraction).The study indicated that distraction was most likely to be involved in rear-end collisions in which the lead vehicle was stopped, as well as in single-vehicle crashes.

• Using a cell phone. It might seem easy to take make calls in the car, but it's not safe. Several studies conclude that talking on a cell phone causes distraction and increases the risk for crashes. "Studies show that driving while talking on a cell phone is extremely dangerous and puts drivers at a four times greater risk of a crash," said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. Contrary to popular belief, talking on a cell phone with a wireless headset is not substantially safer than talking on a regular handset. This is because the most significant factor as far as safety is concerned is to keep one's eyes on the road.

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• Texting. It isn't exactly breaking news that texting while driving is a bad idea. But a study released Monday night reveals just how dangerous it really can be.  After examining the behavior of truck drivers covering more than 6 million miles of road, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute concluded that people who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash (or what they call a near-crash event) than non distracted drivers. 

• Reading. Believe it or not, many people read while driving. Do I really need to explain why reading while driving is unsafe?

• Fooling with the radio. Changing radio stations while driving can cause you to take your eye off the road.  If you need to change the station, do it while stopped.

• Applying makeup. Applying makeup requires you to take your eyes off the road which makes it a dangerous task to do while driving.  Do those last-minute touch-ups when you arrive at your next meeting, or get up earlier and do what you need to do before getting into the car.

• Reaching for a moving object. Cell phone slip under the seat again? Do not reach for it. This can cause you to veer and also cause you to take your eyes of the road. Leave it there.

• Looking at an object or event outside of the vehicle. Maybe a GPS could help keep you from scanning for street signs.

• Eating. Eating while driving is one of the biggest distractions that contribute to unsafe driving and vehicle crashes. While eating and drinking while driving is never god, there are several foods to avoid while driving that can at least reduce your risk for crashes.