You see it everyday. In the carpool line, in your neighborhood, even on the highway. Today’s Moms are dealing with so many details that they are sometimes forced to juggle – even while driving. I’m not proud of it, but I’ve been guilty of multitasking in the car—my husband calls it “Also Driving.” I rarely admit to him that he’s funny, but he’s not far from right. Here are a few mistakes that Mom’s should avoid when they get behind the wheel.

1. Talking on the Cell Phone
   Ask anyone for the most common distraction that they see happening on the road today, and cell phones will top the list every time. Admittedly, my mental checklist seems to come to life in the car, and it’s really difficult to resist using the cell phone. After all, there are over 200 million people with cell phones in the world—certainly someone needs to be talking to me! But some studies suggest that talking on your cell phone is as bad as or even worse than driving drunk (http://www.cellular-news.com/story/18083.php). Obviously, your complete attention is the best solution while driving. If you must make a call, try to make it short, and get your mind back on driving as soon as possible.

2. Rebel Without a Clue
   The best advice for any car trip, be it a short romp across town or the three-hour drive to the in-laws, is to be prepared. I try never to leave the house without knowing where I’m going. There are way too many resources out there that make driving directions a snap—internet maps, cell phone directions, and GPS systems to name just a few. If you are directionally challenged like me and reading a map is a little like reading Japanese, get written directions. If you have a child over the age of 7, involve them in the plan. It builds their reading and communication skills, distracts them to the task, and gives you a navigator in the process.

3. When your Rush Hour begins at 3pm
   Your conference call went twenty minutes longer than expected, and now you’ve got thirty minutes to drive forty miles to pick up junior from baseball practice, feed him dinner, and deliver him on time to swimming lessons. Simple math will tell you that it’s just not going to happen—but who likes math? I’m looking around, isn’t there a hyperspace button on the 2007 model of this minivan? We are running like crazy and it’s hard not to put the pedal to the metal to get it all done. Take 10 seconds to look around at that valuable cargo you’re carrying, then remember that the world will not end if he’s ten minutes late to practice. Besides, the faster you drive, the longer it takes to slow down when you really need to. No accident is worth that “never been tardy” award.

4. Munching while Maneuvering
   I knew I was in trouble when my 3 year-old begged me to go to the local burger joint with the arches because he “never gets to sit down in there.” Far too many nights I find my car serving as a family diner with supper being served to everyone–including me. After all, many of us don’t have time to prepare a home cooked meal let alone sit down and enjoy it—I’ve even considered putting a drive-through window on my house. But food can serve as a major distraction while you’re driving – especially when ketchup drips from the French fry or coffee spills on your linen pants. If you have to eat, grab a bite when you’re waiting for a light, or consider food that’s built for one-handed eating—and I don’t mean a carnival style turkey leg. Grab a breakfast bar, or a wrapped sandwich.

5. Hey, Baby, what’s that sound?
   Mommy, what’s that clicking noise under the car? Oops…How many times have you told your children to be responsible for their own stuff? That goes for us, too, Moms – especially when it comes to your car. Even if car maintenance is supposed to be your husband’s job, that’s not going to matter when you car stalls on the freeway with two kids in the back. It is up to you to pay attention to tire pressure, oil changes, and gas gauges. Remember, you wrestle with a car seat everyday – make sure the car that it is in is just as safe. Here’s a little tip—those Full Service gas stations still exist – treat yourself to one fill-up per month and have them check under your hood. Here’s another—some of the big wholesale clubs offer basic services to their members for free. Next time you’re buying 8 pounds of pepperoni for your pizza party, see if the auto shop will check your oil and tires.