What defines a distracted driver?

A distracted driver is defined as someone who is not fully focused on the task of driving due to various distractions. This can include activities like using a mobile phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other actions that divert their attention away from the road. When a driver's focus is compromised, their ability to react to changing conditions, traffic signals, and other vehicles diminishes significantly, increasing the risk of accidents.

For instance, phone use is particularly dangerous because it can take both visual and cognitive attention away from the road, impairing the driver's awareness of their surroundings. Similarly, when a driver is eating or engaged in any activity that diverts their focus, they may fail to notice critical driving cues, leading to potential hazards.

In contrast, simply listening to music does not typically constitute distraction unless it requires significant interaction, such as adjusting the volume or changing tracks. Lane changes are normal driving maneuvers and do not inherently indicate distraction, while having passengers in the vehicle can also be part of normal driving behavior as long as the driver remains attentive and engaged with driving.