As people become more experienced with driving it’s common to get more comfortable and pay less attention. Being distracted while driving increases the risk of getting into a car accident. Dmv.org explains the three types of distracted driving and how to avoid them. They are manual, visual, and cognitive.
Manual Driving Distractions
Cause You to Take One or Both Hands off the Wheel
Examples:
- Eating and drinking
- Adjusting your child’s seatbelt
- Smoking
- Searching through your bag
- Turning knobs in your car
- Texting
Tips to Avoid Manual Driving Distraction
- Keep your phone out of reach
- Adjust before driving
- Don’t reach for items while driving
Visual Driving Distractions
When Your Eyes Wander off of the Road
Examples:
- Searching for items on the floor of the car
- Checking and adjusting you GPS
- Changing the radio station
- Adjusting your temperature controls
- Looking around at views
- Doing your make up or looking in a mirror
- Texting
Tips to Avoid Manual Driving Distraction
- Always keep your eyes on the road
- If you need to look at directions, pull over
- Keep your cell phone on “Do Not Disturb”
Cognitive Driving Distractions
When Your Mind Is Focused on Things Other Than Driving
Examples:
- Talking to others in the car
- Thinking about things that upset you
- Getting mad or aggressive while driving
- Daydreaming
- Being drunk of under the influence of drugs
- Drowsy driving
- Texting
Tips to Avoid Cognitive Driving Distraction
- Try avoiding phone calls even if it is hands-free on speaker phone
- Keep all your focus on the road
- Keep your emotions in check
Now that you have read and understand the three types of distracted driving it is important to keep them in mind while driving. Car accidents are always unexpected so understanding these distractions will help you prevent an accident. Cdc.gov confirms that in 2018, over 2,800 people were killed and 400,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted driving. The age that is most at risk for distracted driving is the young drivers from ages 15-19. If you are a passenger in a car with a distracted driver than it is important to speak up and ask the driver to focus. Many states have enacted laws that help with distracted driving. In Kentucky, drivers under 18 are not allowed to use a cell phone. The drivers over 18 can use a cell phone but are not allowed to text behind the wheel.
If you or a loved one finds yourself in a distracted driving accident call The Dixie Law Group at 502-290-2397 to have you case reviewed by one of our attorneys. Our attorneys have a lot of experience handling car accident cases and your consultation will be 100% free.
