chapter 8 review

what differentiates distracted driving from inattentive driving?

A key difference between driver distraction and driver inattention in general is that driver distraction is caused by an event that directs the focus of a driver and their driving task, such as a drink falling and spilling. Driver inattention however doesn't really deal with any specific event and may be unintentional.

gawking

when a person stares

distracted driving

when an event, person, activity, or object draws a driver's attention away from the driving task

cognitive distraction

when your mind is lost in thought or in a daydream (ex. talking on your phone)

driver inattention

When a driver's focus drifts to anything other than the driving task

rubbernecking

When a person continuously looks all around the scene

what categories are associated with inside-the-vehicle distractions?

cell phones, vehicle equipment & controls, animals & insects, food & drink, passengers, and loose objects.

projectile

flying objects that could be a hazard to a driver or passenger.

how does hands-free technology help drivers from becoming distracted?

hands free technology can help drivers from being distracted by not having to take their hands off the steering wheel or look any place besides the path they're driving on.

what steps and actions can drivers take to avoid driving inattentively or being distracted?

There are different things you can do when driving in order to avoid being distracted. For example if you're fatigued you could stop and stretch or switch drivers, or you could simply take control of the environment inside your vehicle by adjusting things beforehand and setting rules for passengers.

auditory distraction

any distraction caused by sounds (ex. a crying child or siren)

biomechanical distraction

any mechanical act not specifically related to driving that is performed by a driver (ex. pressing a button, turning a dial, picking up a cd)

visual distraction

anything that causes you to take your eyes off the roadway (ex. an intentionally placed billboard)

what steps or actions can a driver do to reduce distractions inside their vehicles?

to reduce distractions in your vehicle, you can do many things such as leaving your phone in the back seat or turning it off while you're driving.