A driver's primary goal should be to eliminate all in-vehicle distractions before driving begins.

A driver's primary goal should be to eliminate all in-vehicle distractions before driving begins.

• A. True
• B. Not always
• C. Only in heavy traffic
• D. False

Answer: (A)

Eliminating in-vehicle distractions before you start helps you keep your full attention on the driving task. Distractions compete for your brain, eyes, and hands, which slows your reaction time and can lead to errors when you’re behind the wheel. The safest practice is to prepare the vehicle so you won’t be pulled away from driving: silence or put away your phone, set navigation and music before you move, secure loose items, and adjust mirrors, seat, and climate while the car is stationary. If for some reason a distraction can’t be eliminated, you should address it before driving or pull over safely to deal with it rather than starting while distracted.

Eliminating in-vehicle distractions before you start helps you keep your full attention on the driving task. Distractions compete for your brain, eyes, and hands, which slows your reaction time and can lead to errors when you’re behind the wheel. The safest practice is to prepare the vehicle so you won’t be pulled away from driving: silence or put away your phone, set navigation and music before you move, secure loose items, and adjust mirrors, seat, and climate while the car is stationary. If for some reason a distraction can’t be eliminated, you should address it before driving or pull over safely to deal with it rather than starting while distracted.