Distracted driving looks much different from one case to the next. Some drivers get distracted by phones, others get distracted by passengers and still others get distracted by things outside of the car – such as rubbernecking at another accident.
But no matter how it takes place, distraction is a very serious issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified three different categories of driving distractions, which drivers should attempt to avoid. Let’s break them down a little bit more below.
1. Cognitive distractions
First of all, driving requires mental effort and focus. A driver who is thinking about something else is cognitively distracted from the task at hand. This is one reason why some reports claim daydreaming is a top cause of distracted driving accidents.
2. Visual distractions
Next, many distractions are visual in nature. An example of this is gawking at another accident, as noted above. Another example, though, is looking down to change the radio station, read a map, look at a GPS screen or use a cellphone. Even looking at the mirror to adjust the angle is technically a distraction and should be done before leaving the driveway.
3. Manual distractions
Finally, many distractions are physical. The driver may still be looking at the road, but if they’re reaching down to pick up something that they dropped on the floor or to hand a snack to a child, they are physically distracted. Texting and driving is also a physical distraction if the driver has to hold their cellphone in their hand.
All of these distractions can cause serious car accidents. If you’ve been injured in a crash that was caused by another driver, be sure you know what legal steps to take as you seek compensation.
