Drivers need to be able to devote their full attention to the roadway, so there isn’t any room for distractions of any type. While many people automatically associate cellphones with distracted driving, there are many things that can cause a driver’s focus to divert from the roadway.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there are three different types of distractions to be aware of. These include:
- Manual: Taking your hands off the wheel
- Visual: Taking your eyes off the road
- Cognitive: Taking your mind off driving
Many distractions cause all three of those categories to occur at the same time. For example, using a cellphone to send a text requires you to look at the screen, think about what you’re going to say and press the appropriate letters or emojis.
Some people think that distractions aren’t a huge deal unless they take a long time. This isn’t the case. Sending a text takes around five seconds; however, that isn’t a short time on the road. In that time, your car will go the length of a football field if you’re driving 55 miles per hour.
There are many activities that can lead to distractions. These include things like looking at billboards, eating or drinking, using a GPS, changing radio stations or talking to others in the vehicle. It is imperative that you minimize or eliminate any distractions when you’re driving.
If you’re struck by a distracted driver, make sure you get medical care. There’s a chance that you could have hidden injuries. You might also opt to pursue a claim for compensation to help reduce the damages that you have to cover because of the wreck.