New York DMV Permit Written TestSafe Driving PracticesHard
A driver is operating their vehicle and constantly checking their phone for navigation updates, even holding it in their hand. Although they are not texting, this behavior is still considered a form of distracted driving. Which specific type of distraction is primarily being described?
- ACognitive distraction
- BAuditory distraction
- CVisual distraction
- DManual distraction
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Manual distraction
Holding the phone and interacting with it for navigation (even just checking) takes one or both hands off the steering wheel or other controls. This directly falls under manual distraction, which involves physically taking your hands off the wheel.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cognitive distraction involves mental tasks that take your mind off driving, like thinking deeply or planning routes in your head.
- B. Auditory distraction involves sounds that divert attention, like loud music or a phone call.
- C. Visual distraction involves taking your eyes off the road, which is also happening, but the primary action described (holding and interacting) is manual.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses visual (eyes off road), manual (hands off wheel), and cognitive (mind off driving) activities.
- Visual: eyes away from the road.
- Manual: hands away from the steering wheel.
- Cognitive: mind away from the task of driving.
Memory trick: Driving distracted? Your eyes, hands, and mind are separated.