Ep 14: Distracted Driving - It's Not Just the Phone

Episode 14 – Distracted Driving: It’s Not Just the Phone

Most people think distracted driving means texting. But the truth? It goes way beyond that—and many of the worst distractions are the ones we don’t even think about.

In this episode, former LA traffic reporter Randy Keith shares a personal story about a distracted driving crash that happened before smartphones even existed. From grooming and grabbing a fallen CD to high-tech dashboards, heated arguments, and even daydreaming, you'll learn how distraction comes in many forms.

Randy breaks down the three types of distractions recognized by the NHTSA—visual, manual, and cognitive—and reveals how everyday behaviors can compromise your focus behind the wheel.

You’ll learn:

• What really counts as a distraction (it’s more than your phone)
• The overlooked danger of “mind-wandering”
• Smart strategies to reduce distractions in real-world driving
• How to approach driving with the mindset of a performer, not just a commuter

💡 Whether you're a parent, a teen driver, or a professional on the road daily, this episode will help you recognize hidden risks and develop habits to stay fully present behind the wheel.

👉 More resources at DriveSmarterNow.com

Transcript

[Bumper Music In]

[Opening / Intro]

Welcome to Mastering the Commute—your six-minute traffic fix.

I’m [Your Name], and this is Episode 14: “Distracted Driving: It’s Not Just the Phone.”

[Segment 1 – The Myth of the Phone Distraction]

I Was 16 years old and had my license about 9 months. I remember listening to one of my favorite Elton John CDs (yes, way before smartphones or even cellphones with us all the time) as it fell to the floor. As I reached down to get it, CRUNCH, I hit a parked car, right down the street from my friends house. It was barely 20 mph but big enough to ruin a few weeks of my senior year of high school.

So I learned early on that anything can be a distraction - which is also a good analogy for life.

Because yeah—cell phones are a problem. But they’re not the only distraction. In fact, they’re not even the most common one.

We've all seen the commercials and the warning signs, but how often do we consider the full scope of distracted driving?

This podcast is all about awareness of ceratin \driving behaviors and habits before we can change them.

[Segment 2 – What Counts as a Distraction?]

Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from the task of driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) breaks it into three types:

1. Visual – taking your eyes off the road.

2. Manual – taking your hands off the wheel.

3. Cognitive – taking your mind off driving.

Texting hits all three. But so do a bunch of other things you probably don’t think about.

• Eating that drive-thru burger? That’s a visual and manual distraction.

• Turning around to check on your kid in the backseat? That’s all three.

• Having a heated argument with your passenger? Pure cognitive overload.

And let’s be real—most of us multitask behind the wheel every day.

[Segment 3 – Common But Overlooked Distractions]

Here are some of the most underrated distractions that can be just as dangerous as your phone:

• Other passengers, especially kids or friends hyping up the playlist.

• In-vehicle tech like navigation systems or touchscreens.

• Eating or drinking, especially hot liquids like coffee.

• Grooming—yes, I’ve seen people shaving or putting on makeup at 70 mph.

• Loose pets in the front seat. Cute? Sure. Safe? Not at all.

And here’s a surprising one: daydreaming.

Some studies suggest it’s even more common than phone use. You’re staring at the road, but your brain is a million miles away. That’s a cognitive distraction—and it can be deadly.

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[Segment 4 – What the Research Says]

According to the NHTSA, in 2022, distracted driving claimed over 3,500 lives in the U.S. alone. That’s nearly 10 deaths every single day—and it’s probably underreported, since it’s hard to prove distraction after a crash.

Rick August, the driving expert behind Smart Drive Test, puts it this way:

“Distraction is anything that removes your focus from driving. Doesn’t matter if it’s your phone, your passengers, or even your own thoughts. You need 100% of your attention for 100% of the time.”

One case that stuck with me was from Minnesota: a driver dropped their phone between the seat cushions and reached down to grab it. In those few seconds, they drifted across the center line—and hit an oncoming car head-on.

They weren’t texting. They weren’t even looking at the phone.

They were just reaching for it.

[Segment 5 – The Real-World Challenge]

Here’s the truth: we can’t remove all distractions. We’re human. We get tired. We argue. Kids spill things. Life happens.

But what we can do is change our habits—and build in some structure to minimize the risks.

Some practical tips:

• Set your GPS before you leave—not while you’re driving.

• Secure loose items so they don’t become projectiles or temptations.

• Have a conversation with passengers before the trip about staying calm and focused.

Wife - tell her i can't look at you

• If you need to deal with something—pull over. It’s worth the extra 60 seconds.

[Segment 6 – It’s About Mindset, Not Just Rules]

One thing I’ve learned after decades of driving, reporting traffic, and teaching: the real key isn’t just following rules—it’s thinking like a driver.

Distracted driving isn’t just about bad behavior—it’s about not being present.

Driving is a task. A real one. One that deserves the same attention as any job or performance.

You don’t check your phone in the middle of a job interview or on stage at a concert. Why would you do it on a freeway, where everyone’s lives are literally on the line?

this goes back to my dad embedding in my head that he hated when I as a teenager was driving around other teens, or worse yet in a vehicle with them eriving. He couldn't have even imagine the exponentially greater a list of distractions 30 years later. 

Let's all start with being just aware of them a little more

State Farm app

Now many car insurance companies supply safe driign transponders and apps which whill measure the degree to which you are following, well, basically smart driving pricniaples as we teach in this pidocase. t

[Segment 7 – Closing / Call to Action]

So next time you’re on the road, ask yourself:

• What’s distracting me right now?

• Am I really focused—or just going through the motions?

If you want to go deeper, check out the Episode 14 page on our website. I’m adding  videos,, links to studies and more that really break this down.

And if you’ve had a close call—or a wake-up moment where you caught yourself drifting—email me at freewaytrafficexpert [at] gmail [dot] com. I want to hear your story.

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And subscribe an Sahara Wid you found useful. 

Thanks for listening to Mastering the Commute.

Drive smart, stay focused—and I’ll catch you next time.

[Bumper Music Out]

Would you like this turned into a formatted script document or uploaded as a PDF for reference? And when you’re ready, I can begin the same process for Episode 15 (road rage and social driving).

If you have a story, email me

freewaytrafficexpert@gmail.com

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@mastering the commute on FAcebook and Youtube

Please like, leave a review and share this episode if you found it useful. 

Until Next week,

DriveSafe and 

Drivesmarternow.com