Distracted driving is a major problem on American roads. Drivers of all ages and backgrounds can easily succumb to distraction from many different sources. While most individuals understand that cell phones and other electronics are highly distracting to motorists, they may be surprised that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified 3 different classifications of driving distractions. This post will discuss them generally so that West Virginia drivers may better understand the issues that may impact their driving and cause deadly roadway accidents.
Category #1: Visual distractions
Most of the distractions that individuals associate with distracted driving fall into the visual distraction category. Visual distractions are distractions that take a driver’s eyes off the road. For example, talking to a passenger may be a visual distraction, as may reading a text message on one’s cell phone. Any activity that draws a driver’s vision off the road may be considered a visual distraction.
Category #2: Manual distractions
A manual distraction is a distraction that has a driver remove their hands from the wheel. These distractions happen when drivers are handling objects while driving. If a driver drops their phone and reaches to get it, that could result in a manual distraction accident. Similarly, if a driver is eating and drops their food while behind the wheel, they may commit a manual distraction if they attempt to reach for the dropped item or clean it up.
Category #3: Cognitive distractions
Cognitive distractions may be the most difficult to identify in oneself or other drivers. They happen when a driver’s mind drifts while driving. Cognitive distractions may be daydreams or deep thoughts about work. They may be worried thoughts about family or other types of concentrated thinking. While lost in an idea or thought, a driver may cause a dangerous collision due to distraction.
Distractions are dangerous. Too many individuals are hurt in distracted driving accidents each year. When a distracted driver causes a victim losses, that victim can take their case to a trusted personal injury attorney for advice and counsel.
