While many drivers equate distraction strictly with text messaging, traffic safety educators are highlighting the three distinct types of distractions that compromise driver safety: Visual, Manual, and Cognitive.
Safety advocates break down the three categories as follows:
- Visual Distractions: Taking your eyes off the road. Examples include checking navigation screens, reading a text, or looking at passengers in the backseat.
- Manual Distractions: Taking your hands off the steering wheel. Examples include reaching for dropped items, adjusting climate controls, eating, or holding a phone.
- Cognitive Distractions: Taking your mind off driving. Examples include hands-free phone conversations, daydreaming, or emotional arguments while operating a vehicle.
Texting is considered the most dangerous distraction because it combines all three types simultaneously. Drivers take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off driving.
“Understanding how distractions work is the first step toward stopping them,” said a Commute Options representative. “Before putting your car in gear, silence notifications, set your GPS, and commit to giving the road your full attention.”
For driver safety resources and instructional tools, visit https://www.commuteoptions.org/distracted-driving/
This project was supported by a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through the Oregon Department of Transportation, awarded to Commute Options.
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About Commute Options:
Commute Options is a non-profit based out of Bend, Oregon, dedicated to transportation options that connect people of all ages to the places they go – employees to their workplaces, students to their schools, and neighbors within their communities. They champion active transportation and infrastructure improvements, fostering essential partnerships, and educating the community on transportation options, working towards healthier individuals, a cleaner environment, and a stronger economy. Visit the Commute Options Website
About National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
NHTSA is dedicated to eliminating risky behaviors on our nation’s roads. NHTSA leads the fight nationally against distracted driving by educating Americans about its dangers and partnering with the states and local police to enforce laws against distracted driving that help keep us safe. NHTSA’s campaigns and public service announcements make the case to Americans that safe driving means driving without distractions. You’ve likely seen or heard our public service announcements, but we’re also on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn sharing stories and tips to help save lives. Visit their website.
About Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT):
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is guided by its core mission to provide a safe and reliable multimodal transportation system that connects people and helps Oregon’s communities and economy thrive. The agency oversees the state’s comprehensive infrastructure network, spanning highways, bridges, public transit, passenger rail, and active transportation options like pedestrian and bicycle routes. Grounded in values of safety, equity, excellence, unity, and integrity, ODOT manages state maintenance, driver and motor vehicle licensing, and public safety initiatives to ensure efficient, sustainable movement for residents, businesses, and visitors across Oregon. Visit their website.
