Driving a vehicle is a big responsibility that must be taken seriously. Drivers should always be sure that they eliminate distractions before they get behind the wheel. There are several categories of distractions that drivers should be aware of.
While some people think that a short distraction is suitable, think about this. A five-second distraction in a vehicle that’s moving at 55 miles per hour means the person’s attention is off driving for the entire length of a regulation football field. That’s a great distance during which a crash could easily occur.
What are the categories of distractions?
The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes three types of distractions. These include:
- Manual distractions – taking your hands off the steering wheel
- Visual distractions – taking your eyes away from the road
- Cognitive distractions – taking your thoughts away from driving
Some activities only fall into one of those three categories, but many activities involve more than one. Replying to a text message, for example, involves all three. You have to look at the phone, press the letters for the text, and think about what you’ll say.
All victims of distracted driving crashes should ensure they get the medical care they need for their injuries. The cost of care can be considerable, especially if they suffered a catastrophic injury. A personal injury claim can help them to recover the damages associated with the crash. State law limits how long after an incident these claims can be filed, so it’s best to get started quickly. Working with someone who understands this area of the law can help to significantly reduce your stress.