It's no secret that for many people, multi-tasking doesn’t stop when they get behind the wheel. While taking a drive can still be an escape from the daily routine, people today seem more inclined to make auto travel an extension of home, work, or play. That may be fine for a passenger, but as roads become busier and more congested, drivers should be finding ways to focus more attention on the road, not less.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver distraction accounts for between 20 and 30 percent of all motor vehicles crashes, and some insurance industry sources put the figure as high as 80 percent!

Recent media coverage has focused attention on personal or mobile electronics as a primary culprit in driver distraction, particularly with respect to cell phones. However, the authorities that cite distraction as a major cause of auto accidents identify these activities or "behaviors" as the most common sources of distraction that lead to accidents:

• Grooming (shaving, applying makeup)
• Eating or drinking
• Reading (maps, printed matter, laptops)
• Smoking
• Reaching for something
• Conversing with passengers
• Interacting with children
• Outside distractions (accidents, road construction)
• Using/dialing a wireless phone
• Objects moving in the vehicle

Consumer electronics, used properly and in accordance with regulations and manufacturer guidelines, should make travel safer and assist drivers in keeping the eyes and attention on the road. For example, following voice prompts from your car navigation system makes a lot more sense than trying to read a map or printed instruction. New back-up cameras and bumper sensors can make drivers more aware of pedestrians or obstacles that might not be visible. On long drives, listening to your latest digital music playlist or favorite satellite radio station will be more relaxing (and less distracting) than changing your radio station every few miles.

Just remember, if you want to use electronics when you drive, get them set up before you put the car in gear.