In the United States, there are about 400,000 people injured in crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted driving is a huge problem that affects many people on a daily basis. Most people understand what distracted driving is and how dangerous it can be to themselves and those around them. However, many people do not realize there are different types of distracted driving. These distractions are visual, manual, cognitive, and auditory.
Visual
Visual distractions happen when you take your eyes off the road. This is the most common diversion associated with distracted driving. This happens when you are looking at your GPS, texting while driving, reading a billboard, looking at a passenger, and so much more.
Visual distractions are dangerous because they impair the driver’s ability to assess their surroundings and be able to react in a timely manner. The CDC states that “at 55 miles per hour, sending or reading a text is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.”
Manual
Manual distractions happen when you remove your hand from the steering wheel. Examples of this are changing the radio station, eating food or drinking, checking the GPS, or reaching into your bag or purse to find something. Not having both of your hands on the steering wheel can cause you to have poor control of your vehicle and a delayed reaction time.
Cognitive
A cognitive distraction is something that causes you to lose focus or take your mind off driving. You could be talking on your cell phone (even a hands-free device), chatting with passengers, listening to music, a podcast, or an audiobook, or even feeling preoccupied. This can be especially dangerous because you might not even realize you’re distracted.
Auditory
Auditory distractions cause you to lose focus when you hear something unfamiliar. You could be hearing an unusual noise coming from your engine, your baby crying, or your kids fighting in the back seat. All of these noises can divert your attention from the road and cause you to be distracted.
Avoiding Distractions
Every driver is personally responsible for reducing their distractions while driving on the road. You should strongly consider eliminating these distractions:
- ● Using your phone
- ● Eating or drinking
- ● Smoking
- ● Changing the radio station
- ● Programming your GPS
- ● Blasting the radio
- ● Looking for something in the car or your purse
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, give Friedman Law Office, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, a call today! We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Give us a call today at 402-476-1093 or fill out our contact form on our website.