Technology has made it possible for people to be more productive than ever. Unfortunately, these advances have also created more distractions that take attention away from the road while driving.
Distracted driving is defined as any action or situation that distracts a driver from operating a motor vehicle safely. Understanding the types and causes of distractions can help you find solutions to stay safe on the road.
Types of Distractions While Driving
There are three categories of distracted driving – manual, visual, and cognitive – though it is important to note that some actions may fit in more than one of these categories.
Manual distractions are defined as anything that causes you to take your hands off the wheel. You may want to change the music, adjust the climate control, eat, drink, or use your phone. Visual distractions are anything that causes you to look away from the road. Examples include sending a text, looking at your GPS, talking to a passenger, or looking at things on the side of the road. Cognitive distractions are things that take your mind away from driving, such as daydreaming.
What Causes Distracted Driving?
Often, drivers get distracted by a variety of these factors. Many admit to daydreaming, reaching for an object that has fallen out of their grasp, and being distracted by one of their passengers.
However, texting and driving is one of the most common causes of distracted driving. It is one of the worst distractions because it affects manual, visual, and cognitive abilities behind the wheel.
Physically holding the phone, looking at it to text, and thinking about what to type may take seconds, but in that time, a vehicle can travel a long distance. It only takes a fraction of a second for a car accident to happen.
Even when drivers use hands-free options to talk or text, it is still a cognitive distraction. If you are involved in an accident, an investigation can show if someone was using their phone at the time. It can also be instrumental if someone else caused your accident. Proving that they were on the phone can show the necessary element of negligence that will allow you to pursue compensation.
What Can You Do If You’re in an Accident Caused by a Distracted Driver?
It does not matter what causes a distraction when a driver crashes. They may be deemed liable for any injuries or damages they cause. Since it can be challenging to prove this on your own, you should speak with a car accident lawyer about your car crash.
They will have more resources to uncover evidence that proves the other driver was at fault. They’ll also be able to negotiate on your behalf to get you a fair settlement while you work on healing from your injuries. It’s worth it to get valuable legal advice during the free initial consultation to understand your options and how you can move forward.
