Cognitive distraction takes your mind off the task of driving.

• A. Eyes off the road
• B. Hands off the wheel
• C. Mind off the task of driving
• D. Attention away from the driving task

Answer: (C)

Cognitive distraction is when your mental attention isn’t on driving. Even with your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, your mind can be elsewhere, which slows your processing of traffic, signals, and potential hazards. This item uses language that directly defines that mental form of distraction, making it the best choice. The other ideas describe different types of distraction: looking away from the road is a visual distraction, and taking your hands off the wheel is a manual distraction. You can experience cognitive distraction even while your eyes and hands stay engaged, and that still impairs your ability to drive safely.