Drivers can’t operate a vehicle safely unless they’re giving their full attention to those duties. Unfortunately, many drivers think that they can safely multitask while they drive because they’re experienced and so accustomed to multitasking in so many other areas of their lives.
Distracted driving is a potentially fatal issue that is fully preventable. Drivers should ensure they don’t allow anything to take their mind off driving, their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road.
Many distractions include more than one type
It’s possible that a driver may do something that only encompasses one of the three types of distractions, but it’s more likely that the distractions will encompass more than one. Think about checking a cellphone to read a text. That includes all three forms of distractions.
- Visual: Looking at the phone
- Manual: Operating the phone
- Cognitive: Thinking about what the message means and how to reply
Even actions that drivers may not think are distracting can fall under this category. For example, most people don’t think much about looking at billboards as they drive, but that is a distraction because it requires the driver to take their eyes off the wheel. It may even lead to them thinking about the message on the billboard, which is a cognitive distraction.
A distracted driver may have delayed reaction times to situations on the road. This can lead to crashes that can be catastrophic. The victims of those crashes may likely need urgent medical care, which can be costly. They may opt to pursue a compensation claim, but they must do this swiftly so seeking assistance is beneficial.