By now, we are well aware of the dangers associated with distracted driving. Countless drivers get behind the wheel and then do things unrelated to driving. The problem is that it takes about 14 seconds for a driver to refocus on the road, which is plenty of time for a devastating collision to occur.
Distracted driving comes in three different forms, with each one being just as dangerous as the others. Recognizing signs of distracted driving can help keep you safe, but in the event of an accident, you should be aware of what actions for which you can hold someone accountable.
The three types of distracted driving include:
- Cognitive distractions
- Manual distractions
- Visual distractions
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Cognitive Distractions
The moment you turn your attention away from driving and the road, you are cognitively distracted. Your mind is no longer on the task at hand. For instance, you face cognitive distractions when you focus intently on a conversation with a passenger, listen to loud music, or experience highway hypnosis.
Highway hypnosis occurs more often than you may think. People drive from one place to another, and they don’t even remember how they got to their destination because they were daydreaming. It’s almost as if the driver is on auto-pilot, and it’s one of the most dangerous acts.
Singing along to music can also serve as a cognitive distraction, taking your attention away from what matters most.
Manual Distractions
A manual distraction is anything you do that forces you to remove at least one hand from the steering wheel. Of course, many people drive one-handed, but that doesn’t discount how dangerous it is. Manual distractions often coincide with other types of distractions, making them even more dangerous.
Here are some of the common manual distractions you may encounter:
- Holding a cell phone
- Turning the radio on or off or adjusting the volume
- Eating or drinking
- Reaching for something in the backseat
If you take your hand off the steering wheel, you run the risk of losing control of your vehicle. When someone else is manually distracted and causes you harm, you can hold them accountable to seek compensation for your injuries.
Visual Distractions
When you look away from the road, you lose some of the abilities necessary to drive safely. For instance, you are distracted if you look down at your cell phone or toward a passenger. You are not looking at what drivers in front of you are doing. These distractions can cause you to crash if you fail to stop in time for another vehicle.
Visual distractions include:
- Rubbernecking
- Texting and driving
- Looking in the back seat
Texting and driving combine all three types of distractions because you have to grab your phone, look at the text, and focus on the response. Unfortunately, it takes about 5 seconds to text and another 14 seconds to refocus. That’s driving nearly 20 seconds blind to what’s in front of you. As a result, some of the most severe crashes occur.
When someone causes you harm, it’s vital to seek compensation for your losses. Our Monroe car accident lawyers safeguard your rights through the complex times that lie ahead. We commit to pursuing the maximum compensation available to you for your injuries.
From start to finish, Parker Alexander stands in your corner to protect your rights. Trust that we will be your advocates and work to hold the party responsible for your injuries accountable after they are negligent. We will be there for you every step of the way to give you answers.
Call our firm today at (318) 625-6262, and speak with our team about your legal options.