Distraction is very common these days, even when people are behind the wheel. Cellphones are responsible for much of this, as most drivers have their phone in their pocket all the time, so it is very tempting to check notifications or use their device while they drive. Inevitably, these drivers cause serious car accidents because they are simply not paying enough attention to the road.
To fully understand distracted driving, you need to go far beyond cellphones. Almost anything can be a distraction. Here are three categories as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Cognitive distractions
First and foremost, a driver needs to be thinking about what they are doing and focused on driving safely. If they are daydreaming, thinking about a text message they just received, or even singing along with the radio, they could be cognitively distracted.
Manual distractions
Next, a driver should always have their hands on the steering wheel, so anything that prevents this is a physical distraction. An example could be taking their cellphone out of their pocket or picking up a cup of coffee to take a drink during their morning commute.
Visual distractions
One of the most obvious distractions is visual, because it clearly takes the driver’s eyes off the road. An example could be a parent who turns around to talk to their children in the backseat or a driver who is busy looking at the screen of their GPS device instead of the road.
Have you been injured in an accident caused by another driver? You may deserve substantial compensation for medical bills and more.