Final answer:
Various distractions can affect driving focus, including changing the radio, talking, eating, and cell phone use, which is particularly risky due to the attention it demands from the driver.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Driving Distractions
There are several distractions that can prevent drivers from focusing on the road. These distractions include changing the radio station, talking to passengers, eating, and using a cell phone. Using a cell phone while driving is particularly hazardous as it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Regarding cell phone usage, there are measures recommended to reduce risks, such as using a hands-free device to decrease radiation, keeping the mobile phone away from the body, and avoiding the use of a cellphone in a car without an external antenna. Nevertheless, even hands-free devices can be a distraction that detracts from the primary task of driving. Research by Bayer and Campbell (2012) has shown that the habit of phone usage in various situations makes it difficult to resist checking phones while driving, hence, increasing the danger on the roads.
Furthermore, studies have indicated that multitasking with technology, such as texting while driving, can impair driving performance and response time, which could lead to speeding violations or worse. It is, therefore, crucial for drivers to minimize distractions as much as possible to ensure their safety and the safety of others.