According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 3000 people die in distracted driving accidents every year. On top of that, thousands more are injured.
Distractions while driving come in various forms, but they fit into three main categories. Outlined below are the three types of driving distractions.
Visual distractions
Driving requires a lot of focus and the eyes need to constantly be on the lookout for potential hazards. Visual distractions occur when the eyes have to focus elsewhere. These types of distractions can be inside of the car or on the outside. For example, a flashing neon billboard may take the driver’s eyes off the road, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Manual distractions
For the most part, drivers should have two hands on the steering wheel. Anything that involves a driver removing their hands from the wheel is a manual distraction. Some of the most common examples include eating, drinking, operating the radio and smoking a cigarette.
Cognitive distractions
Not all distractions are physical. A driver may also be cognitively distracted. There are several ways that this can happen. For instance, drug use and alcohol use amount to cognitive distractions because they alter the driver’s state of mind. In some cases, a driver may be extremely stressed, resulting in their mind being elsewhere. Cognitive distractions are every bit as dangerous as physical distractions.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This will help to cover your medical costs, lost wages and other expenses. Seeking more legal information will help with your personal injury claim.