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You’ve seen them in your rear view mirror or in the car next to you. Sometimes they’re putting on makeup while steering with their knees, punching text messages into a phone without ever looking up at the road or using a Blackberry to read e-mail with one hand and steering with a cup of coffee in the other.

The results of Nationwide’s newest survey are in, and driving while distracted (DWD) happens more than you think. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says distracted drivers account for almost 80 percent of all crashes in the United States. As found by Nationwide’s survey, even those who perceive themselves as safe drivers admit to doing outlandish things behind the wheel, including changing clothes, balancing a checkbook and shaving.

"We are a nation of people with too much to do and too little time," said Bill Windsor, associate vice president of Safety at Nationwide. In fact, more than 80 percent of drivers surveyed identified themselves as "multitaskers."

"Americans are on the go but they don’t drive nearly as safely as they should," Windsor said. "Even though we have ever-increasing demands on our time and more technology, we need to make an effort, when behind the wheel, to focus on driving."

According to the survey, 31 percent of respondents say they daydream; 23 percent experience road rage; 19 percent fix their hair, text or instant message; 14 percent comfort or discipline children, and 8 percent drive with a pet in their lap.

More findings:

• Gen Y-ers are the guiltiest of driving while distracted – Gen Y-ers are those roughly between the ages 16 to 27, born from 1978 to 1989; 35 five percent admit to always multitasking in the car.
• Nearly three out of four participants admit to driving while less than alert – To stay awake, 81 percent roll the window down, 79 percent play loud music and 69 percent drink anything with caffeine.
• Weather conditions don’t affect those who admit to multitasking – More than a third admit to daydreaming, fixing their hair, talking on their cell phone or using their Blackberry.
• Road rage is everywhere – 5 percent of Northeasterners admit to having road rage, 26 percent of Southerners and 21 percent of western respondents. More women than men experience road rage, with Gen Y women having the most road rage.

Some DWD safety tips:

• Pay attention to your driving at all times.

• Drive defensively and be aware of others around you.

• Schedule stops for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business.

• Pre-program your radio and CDs before leaving.

• Pull over to eat or drink or select easy-to-eat foods if you must drive while eating.

• Get plenty of rest before you get behind the wheel and take breaks if you have difficulty focusing on the road.

• Wear your seat belt.

• Drive the speed limit.