GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Multitasking behind the wheel has become a non-thought for many drivers.

Since 11 News has been uncovering the dangers of distracted driving, the station decided to put one of its reporters to the "just drive" test. Journalists are notorious for making calls on the go, often while juggling other tasks like scribbling down notes.

I volunteered to be the guinea pig for this experiment. I vowed to pull over any time I had to use the cell phone, GPS, or take my hands off the wheel for any reason for an entire day. I clocked my time spent on the side of the road with a stopwatch.

I began my morning making as many calls in the station as possible. No sooner did I get into the news van, than I committed my first offense (accidental of course). I didn't even realize my habit of strapping on my seat-belt while I'm pulling the car out. I had to remember the rules: hands stuck to the wheel, eyes glued to the road.

As I made my way to Silt I pulled over to key in the GPS and to get my cell phone out of my purse (where I usually dig for it when it rings). It's new spot was the cup-holder, ready for me to grab anytime I was halted on the shoulder.

Minutes later, the phone rang. I stopped at a gas station (no room on the roadside). Just as I was heading back on the highway, the cell blows up again. It was a friend, so I opted to call her back later.

Over the course of the day, I found myself delayed about five more times, for calls, lunch (eating Wendy's in the parking lot instead of on the go), Starbucks and touching up my make up before doing an on camera bit.

I committed two other accidental offenses, as I took a swig of water and reached for some papers. I added extra seconds to the clock.

The total time I spent pulled over was 25 minutes and 21 seconds. That's about 2-and-a-half hours during the work week, and about 120 hours total for the entire year. That might seem like a lot of saved time, but it's also a lot of time being a distracted driver. After I thought about it... no amount of saved time is worth someone else's life, or my own. I decided that I'm happy to continue "just driving."

For those of you interested in "just driving" who may need a little help, there are phone applications and software that you can download to your cell. Programs like ZoomSafer deactivate your phone if you drive over a certain speed limit.

We'd like to see how much time you spend distracted driving. If you're willing to take the "just drive" challenge, clock yourself each time you take your hands off the wheel. Post your results by leaving a comment on this story or on our 11 News Facebook page by clicking on the link below under Related Links.