Distracted driving is an increasingly common term relating to incidents and accidents resulting from drivers who were distracted by something inside the car. Distractions could include children, pets and passengers, but more often involve gadgets and technology. Items like a mobile phone or iPod may seem easy to use with one hand, but you’ll be surprised how difficult it can be to multitask on the move.

So, how can you use technology safely in your vehicle?

If you’re not driving alone, then the perfect solution comes in the shape of your passenger or passengers. If the phone rings, a text message comes in, or you want to change the track on the car stereo, all you need to do is ask one of your passengers to help you out. Passengers have a pretty easy life, after all, so start putting them to work to help stop the driver from being distracted at the wheel.

Maintaining a respectful level of conduct inside the car is important for other passengers using technology, too. Ensuring the driver doesn’t become irritated or distracted is fundamental to keeping everyone safe, so simple ground rules needs to be observed. Children should be asked to use headphones when playing games, watching DVDs, or listening to music. Other users should keep phones on vibrate and music levels low in respect of the driver. Most importantly, everybody needs to remember the driver’s attention should be the road. Don’t distract him by asking him to read a text message or look at a particularly funny photo you just received on Facebook.

When driving alone, there are other options to consider. Opting for hands-free technology is probably the safest way to go. Many devices can now be fitted to your car (permanently or otherwise), which allow you to connect your mobile phone wirelessly to another device. This allows you to make or receive calls without actually picking up your handset, and is a great way to stay in touch if you need to. Knowing how easily distracted you can be is an important consideration too, though. Some drivers are still too easily distracted, even if they are using a hands-free kit. In these cases, your only alternative is to ignore a call and call back when you next stop, or pull over to take the call.

Music is a great companion during your car journey too, but you should also be mindful of it becoming a distraction too. Loud music is great, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the driver being able to hear another car sounding its horn, for example. Try and play disks or playlists featuring your favorite songs continuously so you don’t have to keep changing the track. Set your favorite radio stations to preset locations too, so you can find them at the press of a button. If you’ve got an older system, you might want to consider switching to something newer with fewer controls or even a hands-free capability, too.

In-car technology is there to make life easier and more fun, Take simple precautions and be sensible on the move, and there’s no reason it should cause any problems at all.