Many drivers assume that texting and driving is the main form of driver distraction. However, there are many forms of distracted driving that can put drivers and passengers at risk.
Distracted driving poses a safety risk on the roads, contributing to numerous accidents and injuries each year. Understanding the different types of distracted driving can help drivers recognize and avoid these dangerous behaviors.
Visual distractions
Visual distractions occur when a driver takes their eyes off the road to look at something other than driving. Examples include reading a text message, checking a GPS navigation system or looking at a passenger in the vehicle.
Manual distractions
Manual distractions involve activities that require a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel while driving. Common examples include eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or music player or reaching for items inside the vehicle.
Cognitive distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s mind is not fully focused on driving. Daydreaming, thinking about personal problems or stressors or engaging in deep conversations with passengers can all lead to cognitive distractions that impair driving performance.
Auditory distractions
Auditory distractions involve sounds or noises inside or outside the vehicle that divert a driver’s attention from the road. Loud music, conversations with passengers or listening to podcasts or audiobooks at high volumes can all contribute to auditory distractions while driving.
Electronic Device Use
The use of electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets or other handheld devices, is a cause of distracted driving. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, checking social media or browsing the internet while driving can impair a driver’s ability to concentrate on the road.
Those involved in distracted driving collisions may sustain serious injuries that impair their ability to go back to work or take care of responsibilities at home. In this situation, injured drivers should take legal action to protect their rights.
