Which factor is a common cause of driver distraction?

Conversations with passengers are a common cause of driver distraction because they can easily divert a driver's attention from the road. Engaging in dialogue requires cognitive processing and can take mental focus away from the driving task. This form of distraction can lead drivers to miss important visual or auditory cues, such as traffic signals or the sounds of emergency vehicles, which may compromise safety.

While other factors, like music volume, weather conditions, and road signs, can also impact driving, conversations with passengers tend to be more engaging and can create a more significant shift in focus. This is particularly true if the conversation is animated or involves multiple people, leading to an even greater risk of distraction. In contrast, simple road signs and weather conditions, while they can influence driving, typically do not directly engage the driver’s attention in the same way that an active conversation does.