People describing distracted driving incidents may focus on the source of the distraction. Many preventable car crashes occur because drivers become distracted by digital technology, including their mobile phones or GPS devices.
Conversations with occupants, grooming, eating a meal and even daydreaming are also all forms of distraction while driving. Researchers who analyze distracted driving classify the distraction based on how it affects a driver’s abilities rather than the source of the distraction. What are the three types of distracted driving?
Manual distraction occurs when a motorist takes their hands off of the steering wheel to accomplish another task. Adjusting the radio or reaching for an item in the front passenger seat are both examples of manual distraction.
Visual distraction occurs when a driver takes their eyes off of the road. Looking down to read a text message, gawking at a crash or making eye contact with a child through the rearview mirror are all forms of visual distraction.
Monitoring traffic conditions and maintaining control of a vehicle require absolute focus. Unfortunately, many people split their attention between driving and other activities. Going over a to-do list, daydreaming and otherwise focusing on other matters are all forms of mental or cognitive distraction.
When distracted drivers cause motor vehicle collisions, they are often liable for the impact their mistakes have on others. Even if other people can’t prove a driver’s distraction, they can prove that they did something negligent or illegal. Holding other drivers accountable can teach them an important lesson and compensate the people they harm with their negligence.
