Which of the following is a common distraction that can negatively affect driving performance?

Mobile phone usage is a well-documented common distraction that can significantly impair driving performance. The use of mobile phones while driving diverts attention from the road, as it involves both visual and cognitive engagement with the device. When a driver checks messages, answers calls, or even sends text messages, their focus shifts away from their primary task of driving. This shift increases the risk of accidents, as the driver may miss critical visual cues, such as traffic signals, pedestrians, or sudden stops from other vehicles.

In contrast, adjusting your seat, while it may momentarily divert attention, is typically done before starting to drive and does not generally pose the same level of risk as the ongoing engagement with a mobile phone. Listening to music can provide a comfortable atmosphere for some drivers and is not necessarily distracting unless the volume is excessively loud or the music is highly engaging. Talking with passengers can also be a distraction, but it often involves interpersonal communication that can be managed without fully diverting attention from driving, unlike mobile phone use, which often requires direct focus on the device itself.