How does cognitive distraction affect driving?

Cognitive distraction significantly impacts driving safety by slowing response times. When a driver is mentally preoccupied with thoughts unrelated to driving—such as stress, multitasking, or engaging in conversation—their ability to process visual information and react to changing road conditions is diminished. This delay in cognitive processing means that the driver may not respond promptly to critical situations, such as sudden stops or the actions of other drivers, which increases the risk of accidents.

While visual blurring and impaired hearing can be associated with physical distractions or sensory overload, they are not the primary effects of cognitive distraction. Additionally, cognitive distractions do not inherently increase vehicle speed. Rather, they lead to a lack of focus and slowed reaction times, which can be detrimental to road safety.