Distracted Driving

According to Merriam Webster, to DISTRACT is "to draw or direct (as one's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time." Any time a driver's attention is drawn away from the task of driving in a safe and defensive manner can be labeled as distracted driving. These distractions can be personal, external or internal.

Personal distractions can occur when the driver is impaired by daydreaming, alcohol, drugs, fatigue or unsafe practices like reading, writing, shaving, applying makeup or using electronic devices such as computers, cell phones, iPods or GPS navigation systems.

Internal distractions occur inside the car, caused by passengers, animals or objects inside the vehicle.

External distractions occur outside the car like other motorists, inclement weather, deteriorated road conditions, or even the scenery.

When these distractions occur behind the wheel of a motor vehicle the consequences can be far reaching or even deadly.

DISTRACTED DRIVING RESOURCES