Distracted driving

While texting while driving is a significant contributor to distracted driving, it is by no means the only one, and all of them are extremely risky. For instance, every driver has occasionally witnessed a fellow driver engaged in the intricate details of a powerful air-drum solo, hands expertly thrashing the air inside the car to the thrills of an invisible audience. Looking behind the driver's seat for something that was momentarily misplaced in the rear seat was one of the other distractions. Unattended pets in cars frequently divert other drivers. Americans are quick to blame others for such behavior but take longer to acknowledge it in themselves.

Another common sight on the roads is people applying or adjusting cosmetics in their rearview mirrors. It's normal for drivers to become distracted by other cars who are reading, programming a GPS, watching videos on tablets or phones, ordering takeout, or searching for another radio station or music source (maybe in preparation for another drum solo?). Another common posture, especially in the warmer months, is to ride in the front passenger seat with one's feet on the dashboard. Here is what might occur if the airbag deflates for any reason.