The Straight Shift with The Car Chick
Aug 19, 2026 · 33 min · 9 segments
Distracted driving isn't just texting, eating, or screwing around with your touchscreen. After The Car Chick got a ticket for running a red light she didn't even realize she'd run, she learned…
LeeAnn ShattuckHost
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association, they officially define distracted driving as anything that diverts the driver's attention away from their driving.
There is visual distraction, and this is where your eyes are not on the road.
Maybe they're on your infotainment screen because you're trying to figure out how to go through three levels of menus just to change the radio station.
Maybe you're looking around for something, trying to figure out where you are.
Maybe you're looking at Christmas decorations, or maybe you're rubbernecking at the accident that's on the other side of the road, which was probably caused by distracted drivers.
Maybe you're digging around in the center console for something or in the glove box.
Maybe you're reaching into the back seat trying to get the sippy cup that your kid dropped.
But whatever it is, your hands are not in that critical 9 and 3 position on the steering wheel.
And finally, what I think is the most dangerous one, the one that I was guilty of, was cognitive distraction.
And you know that I preach the most important safety feature in any vehicle is the driver, and that means the driver has to be paying attention.
Maybe you're thinking through a problem that you're having at work, or you're worried about a meeting that you've got with your boss.
Maybe you're dealing with financial stress and trying to figure out how you're gonna get the bills paid this month.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association, they officially define distracted driving as anything that diverts the driver's attention away from their driving.
There is visual distraction, and this is where your eyes are not on the road.
Maybe they're on your infotainment screen because you're trying to figure out how to go through three levels of menus just to change the radio station.
Maybe you're looking around for something, trying to figure out where you are.
Maybe you're looking at Christmas decorations, or maybe you're rubbernecking at the accident that's on the other side of the road, which was probably caused by distracted drivers.
Maybe you're digging around in the center console for something or in the glove box.
Maybe you're reaching into the back seat trying to get the sippy cup that your kid dropped.
But whatever it is, your hands are not in that critical 9 and 3 position on the steering wheel.
And finally, what I think is the most dangerous one, the one that I was guilty of, was cognitive distraction.
And you know that I preach the most important safety feature in any vehicle is the driver, and that means the driver has to be paying attention.
Maybe you're thinking through a problem that you're having at work, or you're worried about a meeting that you've got with your boss.
Maybe you're dealing with financial stress and trying to figure out how you're gonna get the bills paid this month.
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