What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts attention from the primary task of driving. This includes a wide range of behaviors that may take a driver's focus away from the road, such as texting, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, or eating. The core issue with distracted driving is that it compromises the driver's ability to stay attentive to the road and react promptly to potential hazards.

Although some activities, like using a phone or eating, are commonly associated with distracted driving, defining it only by these specific actions would overlook the broader spectrum of distractions. For instance, listening to music at a very high volume might not seem as severe but can still divert attention, while other distractions might not involve any electronic devices at all. Therefore, the most comprehensive understanding of distracted driving acknowledges that it can arise from any number of activities that interfere with a driver's focus.