Drivers face a plethora of distractions as they drive. The only way they can remain as safe as possible is to avoid paying attention to those distractions. In the United States, there are approximately nine distracted driving deaths per day.
Even a short distraction can lead to serious problems. Drivers who are going 55 miles per hour will drive the length of a regulation football field in only five seconds. That’s a considerable distance in a short time.
1. Cognitive distractions
Cognitive distractions have to do with the thought process. These distractions aren’t always easy to spot because they include things like thinking about things that happened at home or having a conversation with someone in the vehicle.
2. Manual distractions
Manual distractions force the driver to take their hands off the wheel of the vehicle. Changing the climate control and grabbing a sip of a drink are examples of manual distractions.
3. Visual distractions
Visual distractions require the driver to take their eyes off the road. This includes things like looking at billboards, checking a cellphone or looking for something in the vehicle. Drivers must always watch the roadway so they can react to any obstacles they come across.
Some distractions, such as texting, encompass more than one type of distraction. Because of this, drivers should be extra cognizant of what they’re doing.
Even the safest driver is at risk of a crash if another driver is distracted. In those cases, serious injuries can occur. Victims of these wrecks may need urgent medical care, which is an expensive endeavor. Seeking compensation can help them to offset the costs of the crash.