What effect do wandering eyes have on the potential for a collision?

Wandering eyes significantly increase the potential for a collision as they distract a driver from maintaining full attention on the road and surrounding environment. When a driver's attention is diverted, even briefly, critical factors such as the speed of other vehicles, pedestrian movements, traffic signals, and changes in road conditions can be missed. This distraction can lead to slower response times and a greater likelihood of misjudging distances and speeds, creating a dangerous situation.

Additionally, engaging in activities such as looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, or scanning the environment without focusing can lead to tunnel vision, where the driver only sees what's immediately in front of them, further compounding the risk of an accident. Because of these reasons, the potential for collisions increases when the driver’s attention is not fully directed on the task of driving.