What is considered "distracted driving"?

Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts the driver’s attention from the primary task of operating the vehicle. This includes a wide range of behaviors, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming, all of which can significantly impair a driver’s focus on the road.

By understanding that distraction can come from multiple sources, it becomes clearer that any action that takes a driver’s mind off the road or their hands off the wheel can increase the risk of an accident. While listening to loud music, driving with the windows down, and talking to passengers may not inherently distract all drivers to the same extent, they do not collectively represent the broad scope of distraction that can occur behind the wheel. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the general concept that any action diverting attention from driving is what defines distracted driving.