Driving requires more than just skill—it demands continuous attention, awareness, and the ability to anticipate and react quickly. These behaviours form the foundation of the COAST principles of defensive driving: Concentration, Observation, Anticipation, Space, and Time.

But what happens when concentration lapses? The entire structure of safe driving begins to weaken.

Distraction behind the wheel can take many forms. While physical distractions—like taking a hand off the wheel—are more obvious, many drivers underestimate the risk of visual, auditory, or mental distractions. From glancing at a phone to being lost in thought, anything that diverts a driver’s focus can be enough to cause a serious incident.

This November, our Distracted driving toolbox talk helps reinforce how critical it is to remain focused and in control at all times. It covers:

• The potential impact of just two seconds of distraction while driving
• How to identify different types of distractions, including mental fatigue and noise
• Practical, everyday strategies to reduce or avoid distraction at the wheel

A key message in this session is that true multitasking doesn’t exist when it comes to driving. Trying to do more than one thing at a time behind the wheel only means dividing your attention—something that drastically reduces reaction times and increases the chance of missing a hazard.

The safety of any road operation relies heavily on the driver’s focus and control. By applying the COAST principles and consciously avoiding distractions, drivers can better protect themselves, their vehicles, and everyone else on the road.