When you get in the car to drive, it is easy to get distracted by other people in the car, what is on the radio, your cellphone and other things. But even the slightest distractions can result in a serious collision that endangers your life and the lives of others.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day in the U.S., approximately nine people lose their lives in car crashes related to driver distraction. Although cell phone use and driving is a dangerous form of distraction, there are three main types of distracted driving to be aware of.
1. Cognitive distraction
Cognitive distraction happens when you stop thinking about driving. For example, you can become cognitively distracted when you hold a conversation with a passenger as you drive or when you focus intently on a podcast instead of driving.
2. Manual distraction
If you take one or both of your hands off of the steering wheel, you become manually distracted. Examples of manual distraction include reaching for your cell phone, trying to apply makeup and drive and turning the channel on the radio station.
3. Visual distraction
When you stop looking at the road, you become visually distracted. If, for example, you look down at your cellphone to read a text message or look at a GPS device to get directions, you experience visual distraction.
A distracted driving accident can result in serious injuries that affect your ability to live a normal daily life on a short- or long-term basis. If you sustained injuries in a distracted driving collision, take legal action to protect your interests and right to fair and proper compensation.