How is distracted driving defined?

Distracted driving is defined as the act of engaging in activities that divert attention away from the primary task of driving. This includes any behavior that interferes with a driver’s focus on the road, thereby increasing the risk of accidents or unsafe driving behavior.

The essence of distracted driving encompasses a wide range of distractions such as texting, talking on a phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with passengers, all of which can significantly impair the ability to concentrate on driving safely.

While the presence of passengers, the use of hands-free devices, or listening to music may influence a driver’s attention, they do not inherently constitute distracted driving unless they lead to a diversion of focus from driving. Therefore, the correct definition captures the broad impact of any activity that detracts from a driver’s attention and emphasizes the importance of remaining focused on the road.