In terms of distraction types, what does 'cognitive' refer to?

Cognitive distraction involves the mental processes related to thinking and attention. It refers specifically to situations where a person's mind is focused on something other than the task at hand—in this case, driving. When a driver is engaged in thinking about tasks or concerns that are unrelated to driving, it diverts their attention away from the road, which can impair their ability to react to potential hazards and make quick decisions necessary for safe driving.

In contrast, visual distractions pertain to anything that distracts a driver's visual attention, such as looking at something outside the vehicle. Manual distractions involve any physical activities that require the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel, such as reaching for a phone or adjusting the radio. Lastly, loss of control over the steering wheel is a physical state rather than a distraction type. Thus, cognitive distraction is clearly characterized by thinking about non-driving related tasks, which can significantly impact overall driving performance and safety.