Drivers have to be able to give their full attention to their driving duties. When they don’t, they can miss critical cues that can lead to catastrophic crashes.
It’s critical that all drivers avoid distractions so they can remain safe as they’re on the road. For some people, these distractions come in forms they didn’t expect. All drivers should understand what constitutes a distraction so they can avoid those while they’re behind the wheel.
3 forms of distractions drivers face
Not all distractions are the same. Some force the driver to think about something besides driving. Others make them take their hands off the steering wheel or their eyes off the road. These three types of distractions—cognitive, manual and visual—are all recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Many actions, such as a driver reading a text message, encompass all three forms of distractions. When a driver tries to read a text, they have to use a hand to get their phone on the text screen, they have to use their eyes to read the text message and they have to use their mind to think about what the message means and how to reply.
Distracted driving kills thousands of people each year. Hundreds of thousands suffer injuries. Victims of these crashes may choose to seek compensation from the distracted drivers. These cases can be difficult to handle, so it may be beneficial for them to work with someone familiar with these matters.