What is distraction in the context of driving?

Distraction in the context of driving refers to situations where a driver’s attention is redirected away from the primary task of driving. This can occur due to a variety of factors such as external stimuli (e.g., scenery, other vehicles), internal factors (e.g., thoughts, emotions), or activities (e.g., using a smartphone, adjusting the radio). When a driver is distracted, their ability to react to road conditions, potential hazards, and other critical driving tasks diminishes significantly, which can lead to dangerous situations.

For instance, when a driver is engaged in a conversation or is looking at their phone, they are not fully focused on the road, which undermines their capacity to make timely decisions and respond appropriately to their driving environment. This concept emphasizes that distraction is not merely a brief moment of inattention but rather a state in which the driver’s focus is compromised, potentially resulting in an increased risk of accidents.