Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous acts someone can do on the road, and it can cause significant harm when it happens. Unfortunately, it comes in many forms and many individuals don’t recognize the potential dangers that come along with it.
Despite knowing the dangers of distracted driving, many people still do it. Teen drivers, young adults, and older individuals alike are all susceptible to driving distracted. It’s vital to recognize how it happens and what type of distractions exist.
Cognitive Distractions
Whenever someone takes his or her focus off the road, this is a cognitive distraction. For instance, if someone were to daydream while driving or sing songs loudly in the vehicle, it’s a cognitive distraction. The driver focuses elsewhere and it’s easy for him or her to make bad decisions on the road.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions are often defined as anything that takes at least one hand off the steering wheel. For instance, a manual distraction can be something as simple as reaching for a drink or the radio dial. Similarly, if the driver reaches back for something in the backseat, it can be a manual distraction.
Visual Distractions
Anything that causes the driver to take his or her eyes off the road is a visual distraction. For instance, looking to a phone, at the GPS, or at a passenger. A visual distraction that lasts at least five seconds at 55 miles per hour is enough to travel the length of a football field. This means 100 yards or more without seeing what’s in front of the driver.
The biggest problem occurs when the driver combines all three. For instance, texting and driving. The driver holds the phone with one hand, focuses on reading or responding to a message, and looks down to type. This situation involves all three distractions.
At Crane Flores, LLP, we are dedicated to our clients. Our car accident attorneys represent clients in Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Barbara, and we’re not afraid to go the extra mile when it comes to pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.