It’s April 2019, and that means National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This occasion is brought to you by the National Safety Council, a government agency that exists to promote public safety.

The NSC chooses to combat distracted driving this month because it’s a big problem in the United States. 100 people are injured each day, and another 9 die, as a result of distracted driving car accidents. What’s to blame? The numerous in-vehicle technologies we have in modern cars, and the drivers who choose to interact with them behind the wheel. Let’s take a look at some of the most common distraction mistakes that drivers make, so that you can make sure not to cause a collision. As police will be focused on distracted drivers this month, you’ll also make yourself more likely to avoid a hefty fine.

• Using a cell phone or texting - We’ve all been guilty of this at some point or other, but not only are these behaviors distracting, they could result in an expensive ticket.

• Eating and drinking behind the wheel - Wait till you get home to scarf that McDonalds.

• Talking to passengers - It might be impossible to fully avoid conversation with the people who are riding with you, but avoid animated conversation and put your main focus on the task at hand.

• Grooming - Please don’t apply makeup while driving.

• Reading - Some people think that reading a text message while driving is OK, as long as they don’t reply. This is incorrect. Also don’t read maps while driving.

• Also, using PDAs, watching videos, changing the music, and listening to too-loud music are all dangerous and distracting activities.

One of the most dangerous distracting activities that modern drivers practice is fiddling with console tasks in newer vehicles while driving. Today’s new vehicles have many screens and digital controls. You can even browse the internet and watch videos. Don’t use these functions while driving, as they will inevitably take your focus off the road. It might seem that, because the car manufacturers built them in, that they must be safe. However, these consoles are only safe if used correctly. Here are some specific ways to follow driving best practices to avoid distraction.

• Get settings right before starting the car. Air conditioning, Google Maps, driver assist, radio stations - any onscreen functions you use while driving should be set up well before you pull away.

• Secure in-car items. Don’t let items roll around while you’re driving. Also, if you need an item available at hand while driving, make sure it is within reach so you don’t have to blindly reach behind the seat while behind the wheel.

• Pull over to deal with children. If you have unruly kids in the car, don’t yell at them while operating the vehicle or turn around to make stern eye contact. This could create a dangerous scenario on the road that would not be worth the time saved from pulling over. Instead, take the extra time and move your vehicle to the side of the road or, better yet, into a parking lot or other safe space. Not only will this make your vehicle safe, it will also give gravitas to the interaction you’re about to have with the kids.

• Rest. If driving long distances, take time to rest.

• Don’t drink and drug. It should go without saying that substance abuse while behind the wheel is a no-no, but as this continues to be a major problem in the United States, we thought we should mention it here.

So there you have it - a whole bunch of ways to avoid distraction during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Abide by them for the public good and to avoid a pricey ticket in the month of April!