CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - New Year's Eve is only a few days away and while it's a time for celebration, it's important to be aware of potential driving risks. The most recent analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Administration shows external distractions are the biggest cause of driving incidents. It accounts for over 1,200 incidents in the past five years. The most common distaction recorded is a distraction by an outside person, object, or event. This includes watching a nearby gathering of pedestrians while trying to navigate through traffic or trying to find a parking space. 22News spoke to people about the importance of staying focused, while behind the wheel. "You have to pay attention. You have to be alert. You can't be drinking. You have to be alert and watch people and stay away from your cell phones. Put them down. Leave them there. Pay attention to the road," said Earl Barlbousquet of Chicopee. The second biggest distraction is passengers in the vehicle, followed by cell phone use. These distractions have accounted for over 1,900 incidents. Local News Headlines Driving risks to be aware of ahead of New Years Eve Holyoke community comes together for 9th annual Hanukkah Observance Springfield honors second night of Hanukkah Mayor Sarno proclaims Kwanzaa week in Springfield WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.