distracted driving

American  

noun

1. driving a vehicle while engaging in an activity that has the potential to distract the driver from the task of driving.

   Bans on cell phone use in cars will help to reduce the dangers of distracted driving.

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• distracted driver
  noun

Etymology

Origin of distracted driving

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

Amid the increase in citations for speeding, distracted driving, unsafe turns, unsafe lane changes, and seat belt and equipment violations, there has been a 15% decline in crashes, Young said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2024

Almost 20% of people killed in distracted driving crashes were people outside of vehicles including pedestrians, bicyclists and others, she said.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 1, 2024

Strayer's past research into multitasking and distracted driving associated with cellphone use has drawn national attention.

From Science Daily • Jan. 29, 2024

Several ideas are being floated that might help curtail distracted driving without stepping on civil liberties.

From New York Times • Jan. 26, 2024

He added that the order to restrict text messaging by federal employees behind the wheel “sends a very clear signal to the American public that distracted driving is dangerous and unacceptable.”

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel