Distractions in the car can lead to an accident in just a split second. Someone who looks down at their cellphone won’t see the traffic conditions change ahead of them, they may not see a light change color or they may simply drift over the centerline and into oncoming traffic.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking that cellphones are the only distraction. There are actually three main types, per the CDC, which are important to consider. We will take a look at each of them below.
1. Cognitive distractions
To begin with, any time that a person isn’t paying attention to what’s happening around them, then they are mentally distracted. This can even happen to a driver who still appears to be watching the road. They could get distracted by music, for instance, or simply by daydreaming.
2. Visual distractions
When that driver does look away from the road, then it becomes a visual distraction. A common example of this is when a parent is driving with children in the car and turns around to help them with something or answer questions. But reading a text message is also a visual distraction.
3. Manual distractions
Finally, there are some distractions that simply take your hands off of the controls, even if you’re still paying attention to what you’re doing. Letting go of the steering wheel to pick up your phone or take a drink of coffee would be a manual distraction, for example.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, then it’s very important for you to know how to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and any other costs.