Distracted driving is a primary source of accidents on the road, as drivers often overlook the dangers of dividing their attention.
Three primary types of distractions can take focus away from driving: visual, manual, and cognitive.
Each of these can lead to severe accidents, placing lives at risk.
When accidents happen, distracted driving accident lawyers help victims seek justice and a fair settlement for the harm caused.
This article will traverse the three critical types of distractions and explore how drivers can focus on preventing dangerous incidents.
Visual Distractions
A visual distraction happens when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Even glancing away for a moment can have disastrous consequences. Common visual distractions include looking at a mobile phone, checking a GPS device, or even turning to see what’s happening in the back seat.
Anything that pulls your attention away from the road for even a split second reduces your ability to respond to sudden changes, such as a car stopping abruptly or a pedestrian crossing.
Drivers should always keep their eyes forward and be aware of their surroundings.
If you need to adjust the GPS or deal with something inside the vehicle, first pull over to a safe location. Being aware of your environment is critical to staying safe behind the wheel.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions include taking your hands off the steering wheel. This can happen when you eat, adjust the radio, reach for an object, or even hold a phone.
Losing control of the steering wheel, even briefly, limits your ability to steer and make quick corrections if needed.
For instance, swerving to avoid an obstacle or quickly reacting to a change in traffic flow becomes more complicated when your hands aren’t entirely on the wheel.
To avoid manual distractions, drivers should always keep both hands on the steering wheel. If you must adjust something, it’s safer to wait until you reach a complete stop before doing so.
Before you begin driving, preparing your vehicle settings, like climate control or radio preferences, can help limit these types of distractions.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when your mind isn’t focused on driving. This can be one of the most dangerous distractions because it’s harder to recognize when it’s happening.
Cognitive distractions include daydreaming, thinking about work or personal issues, or engaging in intense conversations with passengers.
When your mind wanders, you may miss important visual or auditory cues that could prevent an accident, such as hearing a horn or seeing a stoplight change.
Staying mentally focused on the road is crucial. If you find yourself losing concentration, it’s essential to take a break. Pulling over, stretching, or even stopping for a few minutes can help you refocus and refresh your mind.
Keeping your attention on the road ensures you can react quickly and make safe decisions.
Drivers must stay vigilant to avoid all forms of distraction—visual, manual, and cognitive. Each type seriously threatens road safety and increases the likelihood of accidents.