A distraction while driving is considered to be any activity
that takes a driver's attention away from their responsibilities
of controlling the vehicle, making quick decisions, following
traffic laws, and responding to their environment. According to
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
5,474 people lost their lives in 2009 in the United States and
an estimated additional 448,000 suffered injuries in motor
vehicle collisions involving distracted driving. According to
the NHTSA data, approximately 16 percent of all motorists under
the age of 20 who were involved in fatal crashes in 2009 were
distracted drivers. Types of Distractions There are three forms
of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. When drivers take
their eyes off of the road, their lack of visual attention can
cause a crash, such as when cars quickly change lanes or a
pedestrian steps into the street. A manual distraction takes
place when motorists take their hands off of the wheel to reach
for something in the car,