Our smartphones have made us multitaskers—or at least, we like to think so!

We may scroll through headlines or social media accounts while watching TV. We are able to stay in touch with family throughout the workday. And even while we’re behind the wheel, we can catch up on phone calls.

But the fact is, it’s tough to do two different tasks—successfully—at the same time. And distracted driving has become more than a problem: it’s become a real risk.

In 2014 alone, more than 3,000 people were killed due to distracted driving in the United States. Many of these incidents probably involved cellphones—whether people were talking, dialing, answering a call, reading a text, or trying to write one.

But we can be distracted by so much more than our phones when we’re driving!

Have you ever tried to grab a quick lunch as you were driving from one place to another? That means you were probably steering with only one hand. Of course, you were striving to prevent the food from spilling onto your shirt or lap. And then there’s the struggle of trying to take a sip of your soft drink in between bites—how did you manage to steer your vehicle at that time?

What if you took your pet for a ride in the car? What if your kids are arguing in the back seat?

Cellphones have brought the issue of distracted driving to the forefront of our minds, but the fact is, it’s probably been a problem since the days of the Model T.

The good news is, there’s something you can do about it—and it’s really simple: just drive. When you’re in your vehicle, focus on the road—not your lunch, the incessant buzzing of your cellphone, or the wild announcement you just heard on the radio.

A car can be a deadly weapon. Make sure you focus all your attention on using it safely—and providing that safe driving example to your passengers and the drivers around you.

Beall Financial and Insurance Services has been working with business-owners for more than 25 years to help them protect their most important assets, and their companies’ future. If you have questions about insurance coverage for your business, contact us.