When a driver’s attention leaves the road, even for a few seconds, the consequences can be immediate and life-changing.
What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is diverted from the task of operating their vehicle safely. Arizona law specifically addresses this behavior. Arizona distracted driving (hands-free) laws under Title 28 § 914 of the Arizona Revised Statutes prohibit certain uses of handheld devices while driving and establish rules aimed at reducing distraction-related crashes. Distractions generally fall into three categories:
- Visual: taking eyes off the road
- Manual: taking hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: taking focus away from driving
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction at once.













