How can a driver identify a distracted driver while on the road?

Identifying a distracted driver is crucial for safety on the road, and observing erratic driving patterns, such as speeding or lane wandering, is a significant indicator of potential distraction. When a driver displays these behaviors, it often suggests that they are not fully focused on the driving task at hand. For instance, swerving between lanes or inconsistent speed may indicate that the driver is distracted by something, whether it's visual distractions like cell phones or mental distractions such as conversations or stress.

While noticing a driver using their phone is a clear sign of distraction, it is not always immediately visible or detectable from a distance. Sudden stops and starts can result from various factors, not only distraction, and vehicles' colors and makes are unrelated to driving behavior. Therefore, erratic driving patterns provide a broader and more observable set of criteria that can help identify a distracted driver effectively.