Everyday driving habits are riskier than you think

We often worry about obvious distractions when driving such as texting or applying makeup, but new research reveals that some of the most common everyday habits are actually causing the most mistakes on the road.

Simple things such as chatting with passengers or letting your mind wander are the biggest causes of driver errors – more than phone calls or fiddling with your car’s controls, according to a recent study by the RAC.

So, what did drivers admit to doing wrong? More than 6 in 10 drivers (63%) said they made a driving mistake because they were distracted by something inside or outside the car. Surprisingly, talking to passengers topped the list, with 43% admitting it led them to slip up.

Daydreaming or thinking about something other than driving was the second biggest cause, with 37% blaming it for errors such as missing turns, speeding, or nearly hitting another car or pedestrian.

Looking outside the car at something unrelated came next, causing mistakes for a third of drivers, even though fewer people realise how distracting this really is.

Perception vs reality

Interestingly, many drivers don’t realise how risky these everyday distractions are. While nearly half (46%) said talking on the phone was the biggest distraction, only 8% actually made a mistake because of it.

Younger drivers (under 25) are more at risk here, with 23% admitting to errors caused by phone use, and 55% saying they use handheld phones while driving despite the ban.

Similarly, tasks like applying makeup or shaving feel dangerous but rarely lead to mistakes – only 2% reported errors from these activities, even though 42% thought they were risky.

Other common distractions

Drivers also reported the following as common distractions:

• Touchscreen use: Around 26% said interacting with touchscreens caused mistakes, matching how many thought it was distracting.
• Adjusting knobs and buttons: 21% made errors here, though only 15% saw it as a risk.
• Eating and drinking: 8% admitted mistakes while eating or drinking, but younger drivers were more affected (18%).
• Smoking or vaping: More common among younger drivers, 11% said it caused distractions, compared to 3% overall.

The real danger

Government data from 2023 shows nearly 1,000 people were seriously hurt or killed in crashes linked to distractions inside the car, more than three times the number distracted by something outside the car.

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis sums it up: “Talking to passengers or daydreaming may feel harmless, but they’re behind most driving errors. It’s easy to underestimate how much our mind can wander, especially on long trips. Even when our eyes are on the road, our brains can be elsewhere, which is dangerous.”

What you can do

Driving takes real mental focus. Even routine tasks or casual chats can pull your attention away at the worst moment. To stay safe, try to:

• Keep conversations light and avoid deep or heated talks while driving.
• Focus on the road and bring your attention back if your mind drifts.
• Limit multitasking and avoid fiddling with gadgets while moving.
• Remind younger drivers to keep phones off and minimise distractions.

Safe driving isn’t just about avoiding obvious dangers: it’s about recognising that everyday habits can sneak up on you and lead to mistakes. Staying alert and mindful behind the wheel protects yourself and everyone else on the road.

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