In the U.S. there are approximately 6.75 million car accidents every year. Motor vehicle fatality is the leading cause of accidental death among teenagers, according to the CDC. This represents one-third of all deaths of teenagers. To reduce this number, we must reduce the distractions we experience while driving. Distractions can include being on your phone, friends or other people in the car, or music.

These distractions can be so hindering to our driving that texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving. Being on your phone focuses your attention away from the road and to your phone. One way to ensure you stay off your phone is to put your phone on “do not disturb” while driving. Many people get on their phone to change from one song to another. To prevent this, make sure all the songs are cued in order before you begin driving. Remember that any text can wait.

When driving others, ensure everyone has their seatbelt fastened before you begin driving. Also limit the number of people you give a ride to in your vehicle. This will create less noisy distractions for you. Another noisy distraction could be your music, so to avoid the distraction do not turn it up too loud.

Lastly, pay attention to others driving and not just your own. It is important to keep both eyes on the road to do this. Do not let a simple distraction cost you your future or anyone else’s.