How do driver distraction and driver inattention differ?

Driver distraction and driver inattention are indeed distinct concepts within the realm of safe driving. The correct choice highlights that driver distraction typically refers to specific events or stimuli that divert a driver’s focus away from the task at hand, such as reaching for a phone or a passenger speaking loudly. These distractions can vary in intensity and type, but they are identifiable actions that momentarily take a driver's attention away from the road.

In contrast, driver inattention encompasses a broader state of mind where the driver may not be fully engaged in driving, often leading to lapses in awareness or vigilance. Inattention may arise without any specific distracting event and can stem from daydreaming, fatigue, or multitasking, where a driver's mental resources are divided.

Understanding this difference is crucial for identifying risks on the road, as both factors, while related to how a driver processes information and responds to their environment, impact driving safety in unique ways. Each requires different strategies to mitigate their effects while driving.