Distracted Driving: The Three Types Of Distractions
Distracted driving is a serious problem in the United States of America. According to the NHTSA, in 2019 alone, more than 3,100 people lost their lives in crashes involving a distracted driver. Distracted driving is any behavior that leads to you taking your mind off driving, your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. The following is what you should know about the three types of distractions.
Visual Distraction
Visual distractions are the most common types of distractions for drivers. It could be looking at a crash on the side of the road or looking at your passenger. It could also be checking your GPS or navigation system.
Often, people assume that taking their eyes off the road for a few seconds is not dangerous. Well, the reality is that taking your eyes off the road, even for a split second, can be catastrophic.
Manual Distraction
A manual distraction is any distraction that causes you to take your hands off the wheel. Manual distractions slow your reaction time. You need both of your hands on the wheel to maintain a proper reaction time and steer properly. Assume you have only one hand on the steering wheel when a pedestrian darts in front of your car. In such a case, you might not be able to bring your other hand back to the steering wheel in time to prevent your vehicle from hitting the pedestrian.
Manual distractions include, among many others, the following;
- Eating or drinking
- Smoking
- Getting something from a wallet or purse
Cognitive Distraction
Cognitive distractions take your mind off the road. They take your mind off the primary job of driving. Even if you are doing everything else right, meaning your hands are on the wheel, and your eyes are on the road, you could end up in a crash if your mind is not focused on driving. Examples of behaviors that can lead to cognitive distraction include daydreaming, having a conversation on a hands-free device, talking to another passenger, and listening to an audiobook. Even drowsy driving can lead to cognitive distraction.
Texting While Driving
In case you are wondering about texting while driving, you should know that this form of behavior is a “triple threat.” Texting while driving leads to a driver being visually, manually, and cognitively distracted. When you are texting, you have one hand off the wheel, your eyes off the road, and your mind off driving. Because of this, as much as you should avoid all forms of distracted driving behavior, it is especially crucial that you avoid texting while driving.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you suffer injuries in the hands of a distracted driver, you may be eligible to file a claim and recover compensation because distracted driving is a form of negligent behavior. Our Miami personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you in such a situation. We can help you prove liability and recover the compensation you deserve.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Bradenton, Jacksonville, and Daytona Beach areas.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
