What is defined as distracted driving?

Distracted driving is defined as any non-driving activity that may complicate driving and raise crash risk. This encompasses a wide range of behaviors that divert attention away from the primary task of operating the vehicle safely. It includes activities that can take a driver's focus off the road, such as texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging with navigation systems.

While listening to music, talking to a passenger, or using a GPS may seem harmless in isolation, these activities can become distractions that compromise a driver's ability to react to changes in traffic or road conditions. However, the key element that distinguishes the correct definition is the recognition that distraction includes a broad spectrum of activities, not just those that may seem obvious as distractions. Therefore, acknowledging any non-driving activity that increases the risk of a crash is essential to understanding the multifaceted nature of distracted driving.