What is a common cause of driver distraction?

Adjusting the radio is a common cause of driver distraction because it requires a driver to take their attention away from the road, often leading to a lapse in focus. When drivers shift their attention to locate controls or change settings, their awareness of driving conditions, such as other vehicles and traffic signals, diminishes. This kind of distraction can interfere with a driver’s ability to respond to unexpected changes in traffic or road conditions.

While listening to music, using a hands-free phone, and scanning mirrors can also be distracting, they generally allow for more peripheral awareness compared to the active engagement of adjusting the radio. Listening to music can be a passive activity that doesn't require visual attention, hands-free phone use keeps both hands on the wheel, and scanning mirrors is a crucial part of safe driving that helps maintain situational awareness. In contrast, adjusting the radio often involves fiddling with dials or buttons, requiring significant visual and manual attention.