3 types of driving distractions

Most people are well aware that distracted driving leads to car accidents. Exactly how many car accidents happen for this reason may be up for debate, but it’s a significant issue and has been getting worse. Much of this distraction comes from cellphones.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three different categories of driver distractions. It’s important to know what these are and how they work together.

Manual, visual and cognitive

The three general categories are manual distractions, visual distractions and cognitive distractions. A manual distraction is something physical, like holding a cellphone or reaching to pick up something on the floor. A visual distraction is something like turning your head to talk to a passenger or looking down at a phone screen.

In many ways, cognitive distractions are the most problematic because they can happen even if you, as the driver, are looking at the road and holding onto the steering wheel. These distractions are just mental issues, such as daydreaming or getting lost in thought.

In some cases, all three types of distraction will work together. An example of this is texting and driving. When a driver does this, they are thinking about their text message, looking at their phone screen and holding the device in their hand. This checks all three boxes and means they are actually distracted on numerous levels at the same time.

Seeking financial compensation

Distracted drivers cause accidents every day. If you get injured by one of them, make sure you know how to seek financial compensation to help cover your medical costs, lost wages and much more. It can help to work with an experienced legal team at this time.