Driver distractions cause serious accidents every day. Even a driver who is focused on the road could be hit by another negligent driver and end up with broken bones, internal injuries, a traumatic brain injury, a spinal cord injury and many other life-altering injuries.
But not all types of distraction are the same. There are three general categories that drivers should keep in mind—and that all drivers should seek to avoid.
Visual distractions
One of the most obvious types of distraction is a visual distraction, meaning that the driver is not looking at the road. They may be changing the radio station or reading a text message. Even a parent who turns to talk to children in the back seat is visually distracted.
Manual distractions
Next, drivers can be engaged in manual distractions, even while they continue looking at the road. Someone who is holding a cellphone in one hand or picking up a cup of coffee to take a drink during their morning commute is experiencing a manual distraction.
Mental distractions
Finally, cognitive distractions mean that the driver is not fully paying attention, even if they still appear to be watching the road. A driver who is daydreaming is mentally distracted, for example, and it can affect their reaction time. Talking to passengers, singing along with the radio or trying to listen to GPS directions can also create cognitive distractions.
Have you suffered serious injuries in a crash caused by a negligent, distracted driver? If so, take the time to carefully explore all of your legal options for seeking financial compensation.