In today’s fast-paced world. we are faced with distracted driving daily. With as many billboards as there are advising us to not become distracted and drive at the same time, most of us are familiar with the concept at this point. But did you know that there are actually several different types of this offense that can be committed? Understandably, cell phones take most of the heat on the topic of distracted driving, but they’re not the only kind.
Manual Distractions
Manual Distractions quite literally encompass any action that requires one or both hands being removed from the steering wheel. Cell phones are a given, but think about all the other things we do in the car that require our hands? Fixing your make-up, adjusting the radio, eating, or even reaching for something in the back seat. These tasks seem innocent, but they can be distracting and the defense won’t let up if they find out you were preoccupied while operating your vehicle. Parents are especially susceptible here because of all the many ways they must tend to the needs of their children in a vehicle.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions can generally be defined as anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road. For instance, looking in the back seat, a glove compartment, or the center console are all examples of visual distractions. An example we’re all guilty of would be checking out accidents, emergency vehicles, or hazards on the side of the road. Regardless of how attractive the stimulus is, these distractions cause us to lose focus and potentially harm ourselves and others.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions are described as a loss of focus when driving. Sleepiness or “zoning out” are common while operating a vehicle, especially on long or late drives. Cognitive distractions are hard to prove because it’s difficult to show what a driver was focused on just prior to an accident, but they are dangerous nonetheless.
At Joe and Martin Injury Attorneys, we work hard to help you receive the compensation you deserve if you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver. An experienced injury lawyer who cares about your case can help you make sense of your accident.
Call us today at (843)357-8888 or visit JoeAndMartin.com/contact for a free consultation.