Final answer:
Cognitive distraction is the term for a distraction that takes the driver's mind away from the road, impairing their ability to focus on driving and increasing the risk of accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a distraction that takes the driver's mind away from the road, such as engaging in a conversation with a passenger or thinking about events that occurred earlier in the day, is called cognitive distraction. Cognitive distractions can impair a driver's ability to focus on the task of driving and can increase the risk of accidents. When the driver's attention is divided between the distraction and the road, it can lead to delayed reaction times and poor decision-making.