A more specific kind of negligent driving, distracted driving happens when motorists engage in activities like texting, making phone calls, or putting on makeup while driving. There is no excuse for distracted driving and yet, at any given time, there are more than 800,000 drivers doing it.
Some of the most common kinds of distracted driving are:
- Texting
- Making phone calls
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Tending to children
- Reading maps
- Using GPS
- Watching a video
- Using the radio or MP3 player
It’s a serious offense that has the potential to cause a lot of damage and take many lives. In 2013, 3,154 people were killed in accidents involving distracted drivers (NHTSA). That’s down from about 6,000 in 2008, but we still have a long way to go before incidents like this become more rare.
Types of distracted driving usually fall under one of three categories: Cognitive, Visual, or Manual.
Cognitive distracted driving involves a distraction of the mind and slows your reflexes and response time. A good example of this is having a conversation with a passenger. It’s very easy to become so engaged in your discussion that you’re no longer giving the road the attention it requires.
Visual distractions are those that cause you to look away from the road. For instance, if you’re reading a map, there is no way you’re also able to pay adequate attention to the road. Not only does it take significant time to actually read the map, it will take a few seconds for you to focus in on the map as well as a few more seconds to focus back on the road.
Manual distractions occur when the driver takes one or both hands off the wheel. Eating and drinking are great examples of this. Reaching into the backseat, glove box, or a bag also qualifies as a manual distraction.
Some types of distracted driving will fall into all three categories. Texting is the most obvious example, but making phone calls and listening to the radio can also distract you on all three levels.
It happens to thousands of people every day. Whether it’s a gentle tap from the driver behind you at a red light or a T-bone incident on the interstate, it’s not fair for you to be the victim of a crime so senseless. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident due to distracted driving, E Eric Guirard Injury Lawyers can represent your case and give you a chance of recovering adequate compensation. Fill out our contact form or call us at 1-844-833-3003.
