Traffic can change in a second. A glance at a phone or a sip of coffee breaks your focus long enough to miss a stoplight or a merging car. Most drivers think they can multitask, but that illusion ends fast.
Distractions go beyond texting. Eating, voice commands, and smartwatches all pull your attention. These actions shift your eyes, hands, or mind away from the road.
California law cracks down on these risks. This article breaks down distractions and shows how to stay focused behind the wheel.
The Three Types of Driving Distractions
Distractions come in different forms, and each one changes how you react behind the wheel. Let’s break them into three types so you can spot them faster and respond better.
Visual Distractions
Your eyes belong on the road, but even a quick glance elsewhe