Avoid Driving Distractions: Be both a Safe Driver and Passenger
Springtime is upon us. Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and we tend to see additional activity on and around the roadways. Warmer temperatures lead to more people walking or biking. Road trips are being planned to watch baseball games, see nature in bloom, and everything in between. In rural communities, farm equipment will be on the move with the start of the spring planting season. Therefore, we all need to take responsibility for safety when we are in a vehicle and sharing the roadway.
While we have all heard the saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” can we also agree that “Safe actions lead to fewer distractions?” April is recognized as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This is a great time to recognize, re-examine, and reset any risky driving habits, and refocus and recommit to safety. We also need to encourage our friends, family, and co-workers to do the same, not only when operating a vehicle, but when being a passenger as well.
Common Distractions
Texting is often what first comes to mind when we think about distracted driving. A distraction only takes a second — but that short moment can mean the difference between a near miss and a serious crash. According to traffic safety data, taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds to read a text message at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field without looking.
While texting is certainly one of the most dangerous distractions, it is not the only one. In addition to digital distractions, there are also physical, mental, and emotional distractions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has placed these into three main categories:
Visual: Taking your eyes off the road (checking a text, looking at your GPS, turning to talk to a passenger).
Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel (eating, adjusting the stereo, or reaching for something that may have fallen on the floor or under your seat).
Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving (daydreaming, thinking about work, or worrying about something).
With children and teens in the car, we must remember that one day they will be of driving age. Therefore, it is never too early to begin role-modeling the safe behavior we want them to emulate when they get behind the wheel.
Passenger Safety
From children to adults, being a responsible passenger plays a major role in keeping everyone safe on the road. While the driver has primary responsibility, passengers can either reduce or increase distractions. Here are a few ways to help prevent distractions when someone else is driving:
1. Respect the Driver’s Focus
Avoid starting intense, emotional, or complicated conversations.
Pause discussions if traffic gets heavy or conditions become difficult (rain, construction, etc.).
Don’t argue or pressure the driver while the vehicle is moving.
2. Help With Navigation and Technology
Offer to manage GPS directions so the driver doesn’t have to look at their phone.
Give clear, calm directions in advance (i.e., “Turn right at the next light,” not at the last second).
Avoid showing the driver videos, photos, or messages while they are driving.
If music needs to be adjusted, offer to handle it.
Encourage hands-free use if a call is truly necessary.
3. Keep the Environment Calm
Avoid loud noises, sudden yelling, or rough physical movements.
Supervise children if you are in the back seat.
Secure loose items so they don’t roll around and distract the driver.
Discourage road rage or any negative interactions with other drivers.
4. Support Safe Choices
Encourage seatbelt use for everyone.
Speak up calmly if the driver is speeding, texting, or driving unsafely.
Recommend a break or offer to take over driving if the driver seems tired, upset, or impaired.
5. Be Situationally Aware
Help watch for hazards like cyclists, pedestrians, or changing traffic lights. In rural areas, keep a lookout for farm equipment, along with deer or other wildlife that may be crossing the road.
Stay alert so you can assist if needed.
A responsible passenger understands that safe driving is a shared responsibility. Staying calm, attentive, and supportive helps the driver stay focused — and keeps everyone safer.
Protecting the Future Generation
More than 12,000 participants received hands-on roadway safety education at one of 377 Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) programs held in 2025. PAF Safety Day continues to be recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. More than 2 million children and adults have been impacted since the program’s inception in 1995.
You, too, can join the mission and provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children, their families, and their communities. Visit www.progressiveag.org for more information and click on Get Involved to learn about volunteer opportunities, donating to the cause, or how to bring a PAF Safety Day to your local community.