What defines driver distraction?

Driver distraction is defined as anything that takes focus away from driving. This encompasses a broad range of activities and influences that can divert a driver’s attention from the crucial task of operating a vehicle safely. Distractions can be visual, manual, or cognitive—meaning they can cause a driver to take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off the driving task.

For instance, listening to the radio, while a common activity, is generally not considered a significant distraction unless it requires a level of interaction that pulls attention away from driving. Having passengers can also introduce distractions, but not inherently; it depends on the interaction level. Similarly, using in-car navigation systems can be distracting, especially if it involves manual input or taking time to read directions. Understanding that distractions may vary in impact helps highlight why the broad definition, which includes any loss of focus on driving, is key to identifying potential hazards on the road.