JJ Keller Entry Level Driver Training for CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Practice Test

The type of distraction that involves external stimuli drawing attention away from driving is best defined as visual distractions. This includes anything that diverts a driver's focus from the road, such as billboards, scenery, or other vehicles. When a driver’s eyes are drawn to these external visual inputs, it can lead to a significant reduction in reaction time and awareness of the driving environment, increasing the risk of accidents. Visual distractions specifically refer to stimuli that require the driver's sight. For instance, looking at a map, checking a cellphone, or observing passengers can all qualify as visual distractions since they shift the driver's gaze away from the path ahead. In contrast, auditory distractions involve sounds that can divert attention, physical distractions pertain to any hands-on activities that take the driver's attention away (like eating or adjusting controls), and cognitive distractions relate to mental processes, such as being lost in thought or engaging in conversation. While all these types of distractions can affect driving safety, visual distractions distinctly encompass those factors that draw a driver's sight away from the road.