Anna-Marie Strachan, 29, is alleged to have lost control of her car on the A90 near Rathen in July 2014.
The driver of the other vehicle involved, James Thomson, 73, was taken to hospital but died.
The trial is being held at the High Court in Aberdeen.
Mr Thomson's wife was also injured, as well as two young children travelling in Mrs Strachan's car.
The accused denies causing Fraserburgh man Mr Thomson's death and injuring the three other casualties.
A woman has gone on trial accused of causing a pensioner's death while driving dangerously after taking prescription drugs and holding her mobile phone.