Distracted driving: it’s one of the most dangerous actions on the road, yet people constantly focus on things other than driving. As a result, millions of people suffer injuries in car accidents each year. Because proving causation is so vital, it helps to recognize the three types of distracted driving and how they occur.
Cognitive Distractions
When drivers focus on things other than driving, they lose cognitive abilities. They no longer concentrate on driving and the other vehicles around them and instead think of other things. Cognitive distractions can occur in the following ways:
- A driver experiences highway hypnosis (daydreaming)
- A driver focuses on their loud music and singing
- A driver focuses on their intense conversation on the phone or with a passenger
Manual Distractions
Countless drivers use only one hand on the steering wheel, but this is a dangerous action that can result in severe harm. Manual distractions take at least one of the driver’s hands off the steering wheel. Manual distractions include actions such as eating or drinking, holding a phone and talking, reaching for the radio, or reaching in the backseat for something.
Visual Distractions
The moment a driver looks away from the road, they are considered visually distracted.
Some of these actions include:
- Looking at a phone
- Looking towards passengers
- Looking at something on the side of the road
A visual distraction that occurs for at least 5 seconds while driving 55 miles per hour is enough to travel the length of a football field without seeing what’s in front of them.
At David & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, we care about getting you results when you need them most. Our Wilmington car accident lawyers commit to providing you with the highest level of representation during one of the most challenging times of your life. Let us be your voice and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve after a distracted driving accident.
Call us at 910-208-0535 today, and discover your options in a free consultation.