Distracted driving is a bit of a problematic term because it can include so many different activities. Drivers who are using their cellphones are distracted. Drivers who are talking to passengers or drinking a cup of coffee are also distracted. Even trying to read a billboard is a distraction.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has tackled this issue by splitting distracted driving into three general categories. They are as follows:
Manual distractions
First and foremost, you have distractions that cause a driver to let go of the vehicle’s controls. An example of this could be typing a destination into a GPS device or handing a drink to a child. Even things like adjusting the radio or the rearview mirrors can be a manual distraction.
Visual distractions
Next, the CDC recognizes distractions that cause drivers to look away from the road. Even someone who is holding the steering wheel is not necessarily safe if they’re not watching what is happening around them. Common visual distractions include turning to talk to a passenger, looking at a phone screen or gawking at an accident.
Mental distractions
The last category is that of mental or cognitive distractions. Drivers who daydream and allow their minds to wander are more likely to be involved in car accidents. A driver can be holding the wheel and looking at the road and still be very distracted if it’s a cognitive issue.
Have you suffered injuries?
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver? If so, you may need to seek financial compensation for your injuries.