Car Distractions: How to Stay Focused While Driving
A Consumer Reports automotive engineer shares expert tips on setting up infotainment screens and avoiding phone temptations
It’s easier than ever to lose focus while driving. A survey of U.S. drivers conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in 2023 found that over a fifth said they engaged in at least one smartphone-based distraction, such as making video calls, watching videos, or using social media, on most or all of their trips.
How to Safely Set Up Your Car Infotainment System
When your car is parked and you’re not in a rush, spend a few minutes setting up the infotainment system so it’s easier to use on the road. Many cars let you move frequently used functions and add shortcuts so you can find them quickly, just as you would on your phone. Most new cars have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which mimic your phone’s familiar app layout on the vehicle’s built-in screen. The owner’s manual (in the glove box or online) will tell you how to set it up.
Expert Tip: Still stuck? “Car dealerships will usually walk you through your car’s controls and answer questions you have, free of charge,” McCarty says.
Tips to Block Smartphone Distractions While Driving
Text messages and social media alerts can be hard to ignore, but checking them while driving is dangerous. “Even looking at your phone for a couple of seconds can double your risk of a crash,” McCarty says. “If you need to send a text, pull over where it’s safe to do so.” Better yet, remove the temptation before you set out. Turn off phone notifications, or turn on your phone’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode to silence them. Then place your phone where you aren’t tempted to check it.
Expert Tip: Set an auto-reply for incoming texts that lets the sender know you’re on the road and will respond when it’s safe.
The Truth About 'Self-Driving' Car Technology and Safety
Many vehicles have adaptive cruise control and lane centering systems that can automatically brake and accelerate, and keep a vehicle within painted lane lines. These systems can make traffic jams or long highway slogs less tiring, but the tech can also create a false sense of security, according to McCarty. “Despite how some systems are marketed, you cannot buy a truly self-driving car today,” she says. The best systems sound an alarm if they detect that the driver isn’t looking at the road. (Learn about advanced car-safety feature names.)
Expert Tip: Don’t rely on technology. “You need to stay engaged and ready to take over full control, sometimes with little warning,” McCarty says.
Choose a Car That's Easy to Use
Some cars are more distracting than others. For example, some newer vehicles hide temperature, fan, or headlight controls within touchscreen menus or use touch-sensitive sliders for volume. Before you buy a car, read CR’s road tests and check our usability scores to see how easy it is to find and use important controls and safety features. When road conditions are bad or visibility is poor, you need quick access to headlights, windshield wipers, and defrosters. Pay special attention to those controls.
Expert Tip: Try the controls on your test drive. “You should be able to adjust things like cabin temperature without taking your eyes off the road,” McCarty says.
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• How to Buy a Safe Used Car
• CR’s Car Insurance Ratings and Buying Guide
• Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
• How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates
• Proven Ways to Save on Car Insurance Even If You’re a Safe Driver
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the July/August 2026 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
