The three main types of driving distractions are manual distractions, visual distractions and cognitive distractions. This is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tracks statistics regarding distracted driving accidents.
When you look at specific examples of distracted driving, there are many to choose from. They include texting and driving, talking to passengers, dealing with children, handling pets, changing the radio station, using a GPS, singing along with the radio, eating and drinking in the car, and much more. You will find that all of these kinds of practical distractions fit into one or more of the three categories of distraction “types” noted above.
Issues with texting and driving
A good example is texting and driving because it actually fits into each category simultaneously. To start with, if a driver is holding their phone in their hand while they write or read a text message, it is a manual distraction.
Next, that driver may glance away from the road to look at the screen of their phone. Even when they are glancing back and forth, this is still a visual distraction because they do not have their eyes on the road the whole time.
Finally, drivers are reading and processing the information in the text messages they receive or thinking about what to write in return. The driver is mentally engaged with the text, so it is a cognitive distraction that takes their focus away from driving the vehicle.
Seeking financial compensation
Distracted driving in any of these forms can lead to serious accidents. If you have suffered injuries as a result of a distracted driver’s negligence, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. Connecting with a skilled legal team is a good way to get started.