Types of Distracted Driving
What Every Commercial Driver Should Know
Importance of Addressing Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can happen in seconds, but the consequences can last a lifetime. For commercial drivers operating large trucks, buses, and other fleet vehicles, maintaining complete attention behind the wheel is especially important because these vehicles are larger, heavier, and often require more time and distance to stop safely.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,208 people were killed and more than 315,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024. Distracted driving was involved in approximately 8% of fatal crashes that year.
For commercial fleets, the impact of distracted driving can extend far beyond the crash itself. A single incident can lead to vehicle damage, injuries, insurance claims, legal expenses, missed deliveries, downtime, and damage to a company’s reputation. Serious crashes can also affect driver morale and create long-term operational challenges for the entire organization.
Understanding the types of distracted driving can help drivers recognize dangerous behaviors before they lead to a crash. Distractions are not limited to texting or talking on a phone. Looking at navigation equipment, reaching for paperwork, interacting with dispatching devices, eating, daydreaming, or focusing on something happening outside the vehicle can all reduce a driver’s ability to respond quickly to changing road conditions.
Fleet managers also play an important role in reducing these risks. Clear company policies, recurring safety training, and consistent expectations can help drivers understand which behaviors create unnecessary danger behind the wheel. Training should also reinforce that drivers are not expected to respond to calls, messages, or dispatch requests when doing so would interfere with safe vehicle operation.
Regular driver safety training can help turn distracted-driving awareness into safer habits. Instead of relying on a single annual safety meeting, fleets can reinforce important topics throughout the year and document employee participation.
The INFINITI Training Management System for Trucking Catalog gives safety managers access to training topics designed to support ongoing driver education and help reinforce safe driving practices across the organization.
Addressing distracted driving is ultimately about creating a culture where safety takes priority over convenience, speed, or productivity. When drivers understand the risks and companies consistently reinforce safe behaviors, fleets are better positioned to reduce preventable incidents and protect their drivers, equipment, and the motoring public.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from safely operating a vehicle.
A distraction does not have to involve a cell phone. Eating, adjusting navigation, reaching for an item, interacting with a dispatching device, or simply allowing your mind to wander can reduce your ability to react to changing road conditions.
For commercial drivers, even a brief loss of attention can be particularly dangerous because large trucks and buses require more time and distance to slow down, stop, and maneuver.
NHTSA generally describes driver distraction in three primary categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. Many activities involve more than one type at the same time.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from safely operating a vehicle.
A distraction does not have to involve a cell phone. Eating, adjusting navigation, reaching for an item, interacting with a dispatching device, or simply allowing your mind to wander can reduce your ability to react to changing road conditions.
For commercial drivers, even a brief loss of attention can be particularly dangerous because large trucks and buses require more time and distance to slow down, stop, and maneuver.
NHTSA generally describes driver distraction in three primary categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. Many activities involve more than one type at the same time.
The Three Main Types of Distracted Driving
1. Visual Distractions
A visual distraction occurs anytime a driver takes their eyes away from the road.
Examples include:
- Looking at a phone or text message
- Reading a dispatching device
- Looking at a GPS or navigation screen
- Searching for an object inside the vehicle
- Looking at something happening outside the vehicle instead of watching traffic
Even a few seconds can represent a significant distance traveled without watching the road.
NHTSA notes that reading or sending a text can take a driver’s eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 mph, that is roughly equivalent to traveling the length of a football field without looking at the roadway.
This PSA about Distracted Driving Policy emphasizes the importance of implementing comprehensive strategies to reduce distractions, enhance road safety, and ensure legal compliance through clear guidelines, training, and enforcement measures. Implementing a comprehensive distracted driving policy, supported by effective training and enforcement measures, can significantly enhance road safety, protect drivers and the public, ensure legal compliance, and improve a company’s reputation.
2. Manual Distractions
Manual distractions occur when a driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel to perform another activity.
Common examples include:
- Holding or dialing a phone
- Eating or drinking
- Reaching for paperwork or equipment
- Adjusting controls
- Handling a dispatching device
- Reaching for something that has fallen
A manual distraction often becomes a visual distraction as well. A driver reaching for something may also look away from traffic to locate it.
Commercial drivers should organize anything they may need before putting the vehicle into motion.
3. Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distraction happens when a driver’s eyes may be on the road and hands may be on the wheel, but their mind is focused somewhere else.
Examples can include:
- Daydreaming
- Thinking about personal problems
- Stress or emotional distress
- Becoming deeply involved in a conversation
- Focusing on a phone call
- Thinking about a delivery problem or work issue instead of traffic
Cognitive distraction can be difficult to recognize because it does not always involve an obvious physical action.
A driver can appear to be watching the road while failing to fully process traffic signals, changing road conditions, pedestrians, or the actions of other motorists.
What About Auditory Distractions?
Sounds can certainly distract a driver, including loud music, phone notifications, passengers, alarms, and other unexpected noises.
However, auditory distraction is better understood as a source of distraction rather than a separate primary category under the commonly used visual, manual, and cognitive framework.
For example, a notification may cause a driver to look at a phone, creating a visual distraction. Reaching for that phone creates a manual distraction, while thinking about the message creates a cognitive distraction.
This is one reason seemingly minor distractions can quickly become dangerous.
Why Texting Is Especially Dangerous
Texting is one of the clearest examples of multiple types of distracted driving occurring simultaneously.
A driver may:
- Look at the phone, creating a visual distraction.
- Handle the phone, creating a manual distraction.
- Read or compose a message, creating a cognitive distraction.
FMCSA research cited in its distracted-driving guidance found that CMV drivers who text while driving had substantially higher odds of being involved in a safety-critical event than drivers who did not text.
For professional drivers, avoiding texting is not simply a recommended safety practice. Federal regulations prohibit texting while operating covered commercial motor vehicles.
Federal Cell Phone Rules for Commercial Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration prohibits commercial motor vehicle drivers covered by its regulations from texting while driving and restricts the use of hand-held mobile phones.
A CMV driver cannot safely comply with the rule by simply holding a phone and switching it to speaker mode.
FMCSA restrictions include holding a mobile phone to conduct a voice communication, dialing by pressing more than a single button, and reaching for a phone in a way that causes the driver to leave the normal seated driving position.
Drivers using permitted hands-free technology should have the device positioned so it can be operated while properly restrained by the seat belt.
Violations can have consequences for both the driver and the motor carrier, including penalties, driver disqualification for multiple offenses, and an impact on Safety Measurement System results.
Look Out for Your Friends
It’s crucial to ensure the safety of everyone on the road by addressing the issue of distracted driving among friends:
- Remind Them of the Risks:
- Distracted driving, especially texting while driving, significantly increases the likelihood of accidents.
- Share statistics or real-life stories to highlight the dangers.
- Encourage Safe Habits:
- Suggest using hands-free devices or setting the phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving.
- Offer to respond to texts on their behalf if you’re a passenger.
- Lead by Example:
- Always practice safe driving habits yourself to set a positive example.
Common Distractions for Commercial Drivers
Phones may receive the most attention, but professional drivers encounter many other potential distractions during a workday.
Dispatching and Fleet Devices
Electronic logging devices, dispatching systems, navigation screens, and other fleet technology can improve operations, but they can also become distractions when drivers attempt to interact with them while moving.
FMCSA specifically warns that interacting with dispatching devices while driving can take a driver’s eyes, hands, and attention away from operating the vehicle safely.
Drivers should complete necessary device interactions while safely parked whenever possible.
Eating and Drinking
Trying to open packaging, reach for a drink, clean up a spill, or eat while driving can involve both visual and manual distraction.
Drivers should use scheduled stops for meals whenever practical rather than turning the cab into a dining area while the vehicle is moving.
Navigation Systems
Navigation is an important tool for commercial drivers, but entering destinations or changing routes while driving can create unnecessary risk.
Drivers should enter destinations before departure and pull over safely when significant changes are necessary.
Objects Inside or Outside the Cab
Searching for paperwork, reaching into a bag, looking at roadside activity, or watching an incident on the opposite side of the highway can all divert attention from traffic ahead.
Professional drivers should continually ask themselves one question:
Is this taking my attention away from safely operating the vehicle?
If the answer is yes, it is a distraction.
How Commercial Drivers Can Prevent Distracted Driving
Preventing distracted driving begins before the vehicle starts moving.
Drivers can reduce unnecessary distractions by preparing the cab and technology before departure. Set navigation, secure loose objects, adjust mirrors, and make sure frequently needed equipment is accessible.
Phones should be silenced or configured to minimize notifications. When communication cannot wait, drivers should find a safe location to park before reading or responding to a message.
Drivers should also recognize cognitive distractions. Stress, frustration, arguments, and work-related pressure can interfere with concentration even when no electronic device is involved.
Safe driving requires making the driving task the priority.
How Fleet Managers Can Reduce Distracted Driving
Drivers play an important role in preventing distracted driving, but employers also influence the environment in which drivers operate.
A strong fleet safety program should establish clear expectations about phones, dispatching equipment, and other in-cab distractions.
Policies are most effective when drivers receive regular training explaining not only what is prohibited, but why the behavior is dangerous.
Fleet managers should also consider how company practices affect distraction. Drivers should never feel pressured to immediately respond to dispatch messages or phone calls while a vehicle is moving.
FMCSA regulations prohibit motor carriers from requiring or allowing covered drivers to text or use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.
Distracted Driving Training Should Be Ongoing
One safety meeting or policy acknowledgment is unlikely to create lasting behavior change.
Distracted-driving training should be reinforced throughout the year.
Short, recurring training can remind drivers about hazards they encounter every day and give safety managers opportunities to address emerging risks.
Training can include:
- Real-world distracted-driving scenarios
- Company policies and expectations
- Federal regulations for commercial drivers
- Quizzes or assessments to document understanding
- Follow-up training after incidents or policy violations
Documented training can also help demonstrate that a fleet actively communicates safety expectations to its workforce.
Build a Stronger Distracted Driving Safety Program
Recognizing the different types of distracted driving is the first step. The next step is turning that knowledge into safer habits behind the wheel.
INFINITI Fleet Online Safety Training helps companies deliver ongoing online driver safety training without relying solely on occasional classroom meetings.
Drivers can complete short training sessions from virtually anywhere with internet access. Safety managers can assign training, monitor completion, document participation, and reinforce critical safety topics throughout the year.
Distracted-driving training can become part of a broader safety program covering defensive driving, regulations, accident prevention, and other risks professional drivers encounter.
A safer fleet begins with drivers who understand the risks and receive consistent reinforcement.
FAQs
What are the three main types of distracted driving?
The three main types of distracted driving are visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. Visual distractions take a driver’s eyes away from the road. Manual distractions cause the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel or driving controls. Cognitive distractions take the driver’s mental attention away from the task of driving. Many dangerous activities involve two or all three categories at the same time.
What is an example of visual distracted driving?
Looking at a cell phone, GPS screen, dispatching device, roadside incident, or object inside the vehicle can create a visual distraction. Anything that causes a driver to stop watching the roadway can reduce the amount of time available to recognize and respond to a hazard.
What is an example of manual distracted driving?
Eating, holding a phone, reaching for paperwork, adjusting equipment, or retrieving an item from another part of the cab are examples of manual distractions. These activities require the driver to use one or both hands for something other than controlling the vehicle.
What is cognitive distracted driving?
Cognitive distraction happens when a driver’s mind is focused on something other than driving. Stress, daydreaming, emotional conversations, work problems, or concentrating heavily on a phone conversation can reduce situational awareness even when the driver’s eyes remain on the road.
Is auditory distraction a type of distracted driving?
Sound can certainly distract a driver, but visual, manual, and cognitive distraction are the three primary categories commonly used when discussing distracted driving. Loud music, notifications, alarms, or conversations can trigger one or more of those primary forms of distraction.
Why is texting while driving so dangerous?
Texting can combine visual, manual, and cognitive distraction at the same time. A driver looks at the screen, uses a hand to interact with the device, and mentally concentrates on reading or composing the message. That combination can significantly interfere with the driver’s ability to recognize hazards and respond quickly.
Can commercial drivers use a hand-held phone while driving?
FMCSA regulations restrict hand-held mobile phone use for covered commercial motor vehicle drivers. The restrictions include holding a phone for a voice communication, dialing by pressing more than one button, and unsafely reaching for a device. Drivers should understand both federal requirements and any additional state or company rules that apply to them.
Are dispatching devices considered a distraction?
They can be. Dispatching devices are useful fleet tools, but interacting with one while driving can take a driver’s eyes, hands, or mental attention away from the road. Drivers should handle messages and complicated device interactions while safely parked whenever possible.
How can fleets prevent distracted driving?
Fleet managers can establish clear policies, provide recurring driver training, reduce pressure to respond to communications while moving, and document training completion. Managers should also reinforce the expectation that safe vehicle operation always takes priority over calls, messages, or other workplace communications.
How can driver training help reduce distractions?
Training helps drivers recognize distractions that may have become routine. Regular reinforcement can explain company policies, review regulations, show real-world consequences, and remind drivers how quickly a seemingly minor distraction can become a serious safety event. Online training also gives fleets a way to document participation and consistently communicate expectations across multiple locations.
What are some common cognitive distractions?
Common cognitive distractions include daydreaming, stress, emotional distress, and engaging in deep conversations with passengers.
How significant is the impact of auditory distractions on driving?
Auditory distractions can be significant as they can divert a driver’s attention from the road, particularly if the sound is sudden or loud, such as a phone notification.
What preventive measures can reduce types of distracted driving?
Preventive measures include using hands-free devices, enabling do-not-disturb modes on phones, setting up navigation before driving, and taking regular breaks to stay focused.
How can training programs address types of distracted driving?
Training programs can educate drivers on the dangers of various types of distracted driving, provide practical guidelines to minimize distractions, and offer interactive sessions to reinforce safe driving habits.
Are there specific technologies that help prevent distracted driving?
Yes, technologies such as apps that block calls and notifications while driving, hands-free devices, and in-car systems that enhance focus can help prevent distracted driving.
What is the importance of addressing types of distracted driving in training documentation?
Addressing types of distracted driving in training documentation is crucial for raising awareness, educating drivers on the risks, and providing strategies to avoid distractions, ultimately enhancing road safety.
