There are a lot of ways that drivers can lose their focus on the road. But driving isn't the time to apply lipstick, text a friend, or argue over the latest football game. When on the road, car safety is the most important thing. The only things that drivers need to focus on are their vehicle, the road, and what's going on around them. When a person's attention is on something else, they may not see hazardous situations, such as cars recklessly coming into their lane, careless pedestrians, or distracted bicyclists.

Even a person whose eyes are on the road can get into an accident if their attention is divided. A person who is in an intense conversation on their phone, for example, might not process and react to a sudden change in driving conditions or an unexpected obstacle on the road. Because of the distraction, their response will be slower than it would be if the driver were only paying attention to driving.

Some common driver distractions include:

• Texting while driving
• Talking on the phone while driving
• Eating
• Makeup application
• Reaching for objects in the car
• Interacting with passengers in both the front and back seats.
• Rubbernecking
• Fiddling with their GPS system

If these or any other distraction is urgent, the driver should pull over safely and do what needs to be done while the car is not in motion.

Drowsiness is another reason some drivers have difficulty focusing on the road. When a person is sleepy, they have can have a hard time focusing on what they are doing. Their eyelids droop and as they yawn it becomes hard to stay alert to what's happening around them. Because they didn't get adequate sleep, which is typically 8 hours or more, the risk of a sleep-related car crash increases.

Ideally, a person should pull off the road to take a nap or allow someone else to drive. If the driver is alone or cannot pull over for a nap, they should stop for coffee, get out of the vehicle, and move around before driving again. The best way to avoid driving while drowsy is to get at least a full 8 hours of sleep at night.

Roads are unpredictable, which means people who drive need to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Even roads in quiet neighborhoods can produce an unexpected obstacle in a driver's path. There are two steps that can help people be aware of what's happening, and what may happen, around them. The first step is to prepare in advance. Drivers who know what to expect on the road can prepare for things that may happen around them as they drive. A person can prepare by:

• Using GPS to plan a driving route
• Check weather and traffic reports for any weather, accidents, or construction that may affect roads
• Mapping out exits and alternate routes
• Setting the phone to driving mode and ensuring all passengers are comfortable and entertained.

The second part of being aware of one's surroundings is to be alert and look out for potential hazards. To do that, frequently check what's happening on either side of the vehicle by looking into the side mirrors every 2 to 5 seconds. Checking the rearview mirror is also important so that the driver can know if speeding cars or otherwise reckless drivers are behind or approaching them.

When looking ahead, drivers should try to scan about two blocks or a quarter of a mile out, depending on where they are driving. It is also important to take in the entire scene and not just what's directly in front of them.

There are many hazards to look out for, such as

• Speeding or reckless drivers
• Children darting onto the road
• Animals
• Bicyclists

Lane changes are a necessary part of driving. Although it may seem like a basic move, it can be a dangerous one if not done properly or legally. Accidents can happen when drivers change lanes and fail to check for cars that may be next to them or in their blind spots. Failing to use turn signals before switching lanes is another preventable cause of crashes.

Safely changing car lanes requires the use of turn signals, checking the side mirror, and looking over one's shoulder to check the blind spot for vehicles. Cars should never change over more than one line at a time, speed up to make the change or cut someone off, or change lanes in an intersection.