Some people take pride in the ability to multitask, but that's not always a good idea. One time when this is important is when the person is driving. Distracted driving is a contributing factor in an average of nine fatalities each day. There are also hundreds of thousands of injuries caused by distracted drivers.

Distracted driving is a fully preventable cause of crashes. Drivers have to decide whether to allow distractions to overtake their driving duties. Some drivers may not realize just how far-reaching these distractions may be.

3 Types of Driving Distractions

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes three specific categories of distractions. In some cases, these three categories overlap with just one distraction. These three categories include:

  • Cognitive: Distractions that require the driver's mental attention
  • Visual: Distractions that force the driver to look away from the road
  • Manual: Distractions that make the driver remove their hand from the steering wheel

Checking a text message is one example of a distraction that encompasses all three categories. The driver has to use a hand to touch the phone, their eyes to read the message and their mental attention to think about what was said.

Many other actions can distract a driver. Some of these include looking at billboards, talking to occupants, answering a phone call, taking a sip of a drink or changing the climate control in the vehicle.

When a driver is distracted for any reason, their ability to react to situations on the road can be impaired. This can mean they don't stop when traffic ahead of them does or that they don't maintain a proper road position. Any altered driving abilities can lead to catastrophic crashes.

Victims of distracted driving crashes will need to seek emergency medical care, which can be costly. They may opt to pursue a compensation claim that allows them to try to recover financial damages from the party who is liable for the crash. These cases can be complex, so it's critical that these victims seek assistance from someone familiar with these cases. Time is limited to get the claim filed, so swift action is critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three types of distracted driving?

The CDC recognizes three categories of driving distractions: cognitive (mental attention), visual (looking away from the road), and manual (removing hands from the steering wheel). Many distractions, like texting, involve all three types simultaneously.

How many people die from distracted driving each year?

Distracted driving contributes to an average of nine fatalities every single day in the United States, resulting in thousands of preventable deaths annually, along with hundreds of thousands of injuries.

What are common examples of distracted driving?

Common distractions include texting or using a phone, talking to passengers, eating or drinking, adjusting climate controls, looking at billboards, and any activity that takes your attention away from safe driving.

Can I recover compensation if I was injured by a distracted driver?

Yes, victims of distracted driving crashes may pursue compensation claims to recover financial damages from the liable party. These claims can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. It's important to act quickly as time limits apply to filing these claims.

What should I do after a distracted driving accident?

Seek immediate medical attention, document the scene if possible, gather witness information, and contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Time is critical for filing compensation claims, so swift action is essential to protect your legal rights.