Any time that a driver is not paying attention to the road, they are a distracted driver. Specific examples of distraction include talking to passengers, changing the radio station, eating and drinking, looking at a map or using a cellphone.
But you can also sort distracted driving into categories. Doing this helps to show exactly how distractions occur, how they impact drivers and just how problematic they can be. Below are the three categories identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
1. Manual distractions
The first category is that of physical or manual distractions. If a driver drops something on the floor of their car and reaches to pick it up, they are physically distracted. Even something like adjusting the side mirrors is a manual distraction, despite the fact that it feels necessary.
2. Visual distractions
Visual distractions are issues that take a driver’s eyes off of the road, such as looking down at the screen of a cellphone. Many drivers also get distracted by things outside of the car, such as other accidents, billboards or pedestrians.
3. Mental distractions
Finally, mental or cognitive distractions mean that a driver is not thinking about what they’re doing. They may simply be lost in thought. Cellphone use also leads to cognitive distractions, as the mental side of cellphone distraction lasts for 27 seconds, even after someone puts their phone down.
Have you been injured by a distracted driver? You may deserve financial compensation for medical bills and more. Call our office today to learn more about your options! We will be happy to set up a consultation to discuss the next steps.