Every day, drivers take their eyes off the road and hands off the wheel to text, talk on the phone, eat, or anything else that takes their attention away from driving.
This type of driving can lead to serious accidents that can injure or kill drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. What are the different kinds of distracted driving, and what can you do if you find yourself in an accident with someone driving distracted?
What are the three types of distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are three main types of distraction:
- Visual (taking your eyes off the road)
- Manual (taking your hands off the wheel)
- Cognitive (taking your mind off of driving)
All three types of distraction can be dangerous, but cognitive distraction is particularly problematic because it can impede a driver’s ability to react to traffic conditions in a timely manner. According to the CDC, distracted driving accounts for almost 3,000 fatal crashes in the United States each year. And while cell phones receive a lot of blame for distracted driving, any number of activities can take a driver’s focus off the road, from eating and drinking to talking to passengers, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming.
So whether you’re behind the wheel or know someone who is, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving and make every effort to avoid it.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you are likely facing medical bills and loss of income from time off from work. It’s crucial that you understand your legal options and receive compensation for your injuries.
