3 Types of Distracted Driving That Can Cause Dangerous Car Accidents

 Posted on October 28, 2019 in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Distracted driving is one of the most serious problems plaguing today’s roads. It is so easy, especially with the popularity and availability of cell phones and other handheld devices, for drivers to pay attention to something other than the road, putting themselves and everyone else around them in danger. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 3,200 people killed in car accidents involving a distracted driver in 2017. The NHTSA also estimates that more than 420,000 people are injured in accidents involving distracted drivers every year. These injuries can range from superficial scrapes or bruises to severe injuries, such as whiplash or traumatic brain injuries.

What Is Distracted Driving?

There are a couple of definitions people use when they talk about distracted driving. In general, the NHTSA defines distracted driving as something that diverts a driver’s attention from the task of safely operating their vehicle. This can be literally any type of distraction, from a child in the back seat to a cell phone.

Types of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the collective term used for multiple types of activities that cause a driver to take their attention from the road. There are three different types of distractions that can affect drivers:

• Visual: These distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road, and they can be internal or external. Examples of visual distractions can include looking at a GPS system in one’s car or seeing a billboard outside.
• Manual: A manual distraction occurs when the driver takes one or both of his or her hands off the wheel for any reason. Manual distractions can include smoking, eating or drinking, or adjusting the mirrors or air vents.
• Cognitive: A cognitive distraction causes a driver to focus on something other than driving. Examples of cognitive distractions can be as simple as being preoccupied with something that happened at work or being worried about a personal relationship.

It is important to note that many distractions fall under multiple categories. For example, using a cell phone involves all three forms of distracted driving, because a person uses their hands to hold the device, looks at the screen rather than the road, and is preoccupied by the phone rather than what is happening on the road around them.

A Hartford, CT Car Accident Injury Attorney Can Help You With Your Case

Being in any type of car accident can be a scary experience for everyone involved. If you have been involved in a car accident that was caused by the carelessness of another person, you should call a skilled Connecticut personal injury lawyer for help. At the Woolf Law Firm, LLC, we understand the impact a car accident injury can have on your life. Let us help you fight for the compensation that you deserve. Call our office today at 860-290-8690 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812700

https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/812407-distracteddrivingreport.pdf