Distraction is the enemy of all drivers and can lead to serious accidents that can have a devastating effect on lives. This is the message of IAM RoadSmart, which has published a short to guide helping motorists avoid becoming distracted at the wheel.

IAM head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman stated: "If you take your driving seriously then it limits the chances of distraction.  

"Processing all the information from around your vehicle, taking up the right position on the road and making smooth progress are more than enough to occupy all your brain power."

As such, some of the top tips offered by the organisation to ensure drivers are always as focused as possible every time they take to the roads include tackling complacency, as a significant proportion of accidents are seen when people are close to home – they tend to switch off when they enter more familiar surroundings, but this can be extremely dangerous.

Furthermore, IAM advises motorists should avoid any potentially distracting behaviours when at the wheel. Obviously, the use of mobile phones and other handheld devices can be extremely dangerous, but so can things like lighting a cigarette, stooping to change the radio station or simply daydreaming about the future.

Drivers need to remember that they are in control of one of the most dangerous devices they will ever set foot in, their car. As a result, they need to have the proper respect for the risks they face when out on the road and always have their wits about them to avoid potential disaster.