What defines a visual distraction?

A visual distraction is specifically defined as anything that diverts your attention and takes your eyes off the road while driving. This can include looking at electronic devices, turning to interact with passengers, or even gazing at scenery outside the vehicle. The critical factor is the act of shifting your visual focus away from the roadway, which can impede your ability to react to hazards and can significantly increase the risk of an accident.

In contrast, other options involve different types of distractions. For example, thinking about non-driving matters refers to cognitive distraction, where your mind is preoccupied with thoughts unrelated to driving, which can also be hazardous but does not involve visual attention. Listening to loud music might create auditory distractions, while talking to passengers can be a social distraction, but these do not inherently remove your visual focus from the driving task itself. Thus, taking your eyes off the road directly aligns with the definition of a visual distraction.