When it comes to car accidents, one of the most common reasons that they happen is because the driver was distracted. Perhaps they were using their phone, too caught up in their lunch, or were being reckless as they fidgeted with the radio. Whatever the case may be, ultimately, distracted driving can result in serious and devastating accidents that cause injury or loss of life. Here are the different types of driving distractions that can pull someone’s attention away from the road.
Mental Distraction
Mental distraction is when someone’s attention is not focused on the road. As a car accident attorney explains, an example of this would be daydreaming or thinking about the errands you have to run. Basically, you may visually be looking at the road, but your mind is elsewhere. Driving has become so commonplace and normalized that people may forget that they are still operating a vehicle, and are responsible for the safety of others.
Visual Distraction
Visual distraction is defined as driving behaviors that occur when drivers are not paying attention to the road. They could be texting or talking to a passenger, or looking at buildings nearby. Visual distractions can result in serious and sometimes fatal incidents. Not being visually attentive to the road is a leading cause of distracted driving that can result in terrible personal injury and profound property damage. Ideally, someone is looking at the roadway at all times.
Manual Distraction
Manual distractions happen anytime the driver takes their hands off the steering wheel. This type of driving is particularly common, and incredibly dangerous. If you have ever operated a vehicle or been a passenger in one, then you’ve likely experienced manual distractions. For instance, manual distraction would be if you are eating or drinking while driving, or trying to grab something that had fallen off the seat. Most driving distracted collisions involve more than one type of distraction.
There are an unlimited number of ways that people may be distracted while driving. It’s important to avoid distractions when driving, and not get into cars with those who are reckless on the road. Some of the most common reasons that distracted driving happens are related to texting on the phone, eating or drinking, changing the radio station, grabbing an item from the backseat, talking to a passenger, dealing with kids, applying makeup, and watching a car accident on the side of the road.
A person who was involved in a car wreck with someone who was distracted driving may be owed compensation for their injury care, loss of wage, property damage, and more. Innocent people who abide by the rules of the road don’t deserve to be injured and have their lives changed because of a reckless person.
If you were involved in an accident because of distracted driving, contact an attorney today.
