When attention shifts away from the road, even for a few seconds, the consequences can be immediate and irreversible.
What Counts as Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from operating their vehicle safely. While many people associate distraction with texting, the reality is broader.
Distraction can include everyday behaviors such as eating, adjusting controls, interacting with passengers, or handling pets inside the vehicle. Distractions generally fall into three categories:
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving
Arizona has taken steps to address one of the most dangerous forms of distraction. Arizona’s hands-free driving law restricts the use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle, particularly when it comes to texting and other forms of manual phone use. Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction at once.















