Distracted driving

Distraction plays a major role when we are behind the wheel: it is, in fact, one of the most frequent causes of road accidents. Being distracted means shifting attention from driving to "something else" that may not be so urgent, drastically reducing safety. A few moments' delay in perceiving a sudden danger can make all the difference. Let's distinguish. Manual distractions: hands move from the steering wheel, to light a cigarette, pick up a phone, set the satnav... Visual distractions: eyes move from the road, to check a smartphone, look at a landscape or a roadside advertisement. Cognitive distractions: the mind is divided between two different tasks, driving and "other thoughts" such as a problem to solve, a family argument, a demanding work meeting... Often, actions that divert our attention fall into all three categories simultaneously, with truly dangerous effects. Behind the wheel, always maximum concentration!