Have you ever wondered why distracted driving is so common? You know that it is dangerous, and you can certainly tell how dangerous it is when you are in a car with a distracted driver. They make many more mistakes and pose a serious risk of causing an accident.
Part of the reason that this keeps happening is just that there are many different types of distractions with which to contend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define them in the three following ways.
Cognitive distractions
Someone whose mind is wandering is distracted, even if it looks like they’re paying attention. Cognitive distractions often happen when people have a lot of stress in their life. It can also happen on a long or boring drive, perhaps one that is so routine that someone isn’t as attentive as they would be otherwise.
Manual distractions
People try to do a lot of other tasks in the car, but letting go of the wheel is a distraction. Even reaching to turn up the radio or adjust the mirrors can be distracting. There are serious issues for parents, as well, when they try to hand snacks or toys to their children.
Visual distractions
Finally, visual distractions are highly prevalent. Someone is distracted as they look at their phone to read a text message or even use the GPS. Someone may be distracted as they read a billboard outside of the car or rubberneck at an accident that has already happened.
Because distraction is so common, it does lead to accidents every day. Those who have been injured in these crashes need to know what legal options they have.