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We all know distracted driving is dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 2,841 people in 2018 alone. However, many people admit to having participated in distracted driving at some point, and distracted driving accidents are notoriously underreported. Anything that takes your attention away from the act of driving is considered a distraction. There are three recognized types of distracted driving.
Manual Distraction
A manual distraction is one that takes your hands off the steering wheel. Eating or drinking while driving is a common manual distraction. Electronic devices and navigation systems can also be a manual distraction. When a driver removes one or both hands from the wheel, they have lost the ability to accurately respond to dangerous situations on the road. They don’t have complete control over the vehicle.
Visual Distraction
A visual distraction is one that physically takes a driver’s eyes off the road. Visual distractions can include things like programming a navigation system or looking back to ensure that a child’s safety seat is properly buckled. Visual distractions are especially dangerous because you can’t see what’s in front of you on the road. It is the equivalent of driving while your eyes are closed. Taking your eyes off the road for five seconds while you are driving 55 miles per hour is the equivalent of driving with your eyes closed for the length of a football field. This can lead to dangerous collisions with other vehicles and objects on the road.
Cognitive Distraction
A cognitive distraction is one that takes a driver’s mental attention off the task of driving. A cognitive distraction can range from talking to other passengers to listening to an engaging podcast. Even worrying about things at work or in your personal life can be a cognitive distraction. When your focus is off the task of driving, your ability to react quickly and make safe decisions can be impacted. This can easily lead to a serious car accident.
Texting and Driving
The act of texting while driving is especially dangerous because it involves all three types of distracted driving. The driver takes their hand off the wheel to text, so they are manually distracted. They are visually distracted because they are looking at their phone and not on the road. The driver is also cognitively distracted because they are focusing on the subject of the text message and not on the task of driving. This makes texting a unique form of distraction.
GGRM is a Las Vegas Accident Firm
For over 50 years, the attorneys at GGRM have represented the victims of car accidents. We give each client the care and attention they deserve. Let us handle your case, so you can recover from your injuries. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, call us at 702-710-0542 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.