Few dangers on the road are as oblivious as distracted driving. Unfortunately, even though most people know that this can cause harm, they still partake in activities that constitute distractions. When distracted driving occurs, drivers are putting you, themselves, and others on the road directly in harm’s way.
Recognizing the three types of distracted driving can help you should you ever be in a crash involving someone else’s negligence. Below, we’ll detail the three types and what actions fall under those categories.
Visual Distractions
When you think of visual distractions, the name says it all. These distractions can be anything that takes the driver’s eyes off the road. This can mean a cellphone or GPS, the radio, passengers, and even a crash on the side of the road.
When a driver takes his or her eyes off the road, it only takes a few seconds for something catastrophic to arise.
Manual Distractions
These types of distractions occur when something forces the driver to remove his or her hand(s) from the steering wheel. There are many drivers who feel as though they can drive safely with one hand, but if a driver were to lose control for any reason, one hand is not enough to correct the issue.
Manual distractions can involve checking a cellphone, changing the radio station, eating, drinking, reaching for an item within your vehicle, and more.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions are not always known because individuals don’t even realize they exist. These types of distractions occur whenever a driver takes his or her focus off the task at hand. This can include talking on a cellphone or to passengers, highway hypnosis (daydreaming), or even listening and singing along to loud music.
Texting and driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving because it impacts you visually, manually, and cognitively. This action accounts for a large number of crashes each year, putting it up there with speeding and alcohol related crashes.
Our Atlanta car accident attorneys at The Kalka Law Group – Personal Injury & Car Accident Attorneys is ready to help you through the complex matters moving forward. Trust in our team to provide you with the knowledge and experience necessary to hold negligence accountable.
Call our firm at (404) 529-9371 today to discuss your options.