Final answer:
Manual distractions lead to drivers taking their hands off the steering wheel, thereby compromising vehicle control. Activities like countersteering on a motorcycle highlight the need for constant physical control and proprioceptive awareness for safe driving.
Step-by-step explanation:
Manual distractions cause the driver to take his/her hands off the steering wheel. This can occur during various activities that require physical manipulation such as eating, adjusting the radio, or using a phone. These distractions are particularly dangerous as they compromise the driver's ability to maintain control of the vehicle. For instance, if a physics student pulls back on a motorcycle's handlebar, it can change the direction of the motorcycle due to the principles of countersteering, requiring the rider's full attention and both hands on the handlebars to maintain balance and direction.
To understand the importance of proprioceptive feedback and control during driving, consider the Field Sobriety Test (FST) where the driver may be asked to touch their fingertip to their nose with eyes closed, relying on proprioception rather than visual cues, to demonstrate their level of impairment. Similar levels of bodily awareness and control are necessary for safe driving, free from distractions.