What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver's attention from the primary task of operating a vehicle safely. While texting while driving is the most widely publicized form, distractions take many forms and affect drivers of all ages. Understanding the full scope of the problem is the first step toward eliminating it.

The Three Types of Distraction

Researchers classify driving distractions into three categories, and the most dangerous activities involve all three simultaneously:

  • Visual — taking your eyes off the road (e.g., looking at a phone screen)
  • Manual — taking your hands off the wheel (e.g., eating, adjusting the radio)
  • Cognitive — taking your mind off driving (e.g., a demanding phone conversation, daydreaming)

Sending or reading a text message, for example, involves all three types at once. At highway speeds, just a few seconds of inattention can result in traveling the length of a football field without full awareness of the road.

Common Distractions Beyond the Phone

While smartphone use gets the most attention, many other behaviors impair safe driving:

  • Eating or drinking
  • Adjusting GPS, music, or climate controls while moving
  • Applying makeup or grooming
  • Talking to passengers — especially reaching back toward children
  • Reading maps or physical documents
  • Daydreaming or "highway hypnosis" on long drives

Why Hands-Free Isn't Fully Safe

Many drivers believe that switching to a hands-free device solves the distraction problem. However, research from the National Safety Council and academic institutions consistently shows that cognitive distraction persists even when hands are on the wheel. The brain struggles to fully process both a conversation and the visual complexity of driving simultaneously. Hands-free phone use is safer than holding a device but is still more dangerous than driving without any phone engagement.

Practical Strategies to Eliminate Distraction

Before You Start Driving

  1. Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode or use your phone's driving mode feature.
  2. Set your GPS, music, and climate controls before pulling out of the parking space.
  3. If you must eat, finish your meal before getting behind the wheel.
  4. Secure children and pets before moving the vehicle.

While Driving

  1. If your phone rings or buzzes, let it go to voicemail — no call or message is worth a crash.
  2. If you need to check your phone, pull over completely in a safe location.
  3. Ask passengers to help with navigation so you can focus on driving.
  4. On long trips, take breaks every two hours to combat fatigue and cognitive drift.

Talking to Teen Drivers About Distraction

Newly licensed drivers are particularly vulnerable because they are still developing the automatic processing skills that make experienced drivers more resilient to distractions. Parents and guardians can help by:

  • Modeling distraction-free driving habits themselves
  • Setting clear rules about phone use in the car
  • Using parental control apps that disable phone functions while the vehicle is in motion
  • Discussing real-world consequences of distracted driving openly and honestly

State Laws and Penalties

All 50 U.S. states have laws addressing distracted driving to varying degrees. Many states ban handheld phone use for all drivers and have additional restrictions for novice drivers. Penalties range from fines to license suspension in repeat cases. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for specific rules in your area.

The Bottom Line

No notification, social media update, or phone call is more important than arriving safely. Making a conscious decision before every trip to drive distraction-free is one of the most impactful road safety choices you can make — and it protects not just you, but every other person sharing the road with you.