Which type of vision is most affected when a driver is distracted?

The type of vision most affected when a driver is distracted is peripheral vision. Peripheral vision refers to the ability to see objects outside of your direct line of sight, which is crucial for noticing movement or hazards to the side while driving. When a driver is distracted, their attention is often narrowed, making it difficult to pick up on things happening in the peripheral areas. This loss of awareness can result in missing critical visual cues, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles that may not be directly in front of the driver.

On the other hand, while focal vision, depth perception, and central vision are also important for driving, they are typically less compromised by distractions. Focal vision is used for detail in the central field of view, central vision focuses on objects directly in front of the driver, and depth perception allows for understanding the distance between objects. However, distractions primarily shift focus away from the wider scope of surroundings, impacting the driver’s ability to maintain an awareness of peripheral events. Thus, when distracted, it is the peripheral vision that suffers the most, increasing the risk of accidents.