Drivers have to be able to pay attention to the roadway so they know when something requires them to react. When a driver becomes distracted, serious crashes can occur.
Distracted driving is responsible for around nine deaths per day. The sad fact about these is that they could have been prevented if the driver had simply given all their attention to the road.
1. Types of distractions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize three specific types of distractions.
- The driver’s hands are off the steering wheel during a manual distraction.
- The driver’s eyes are off the roadway in a visual distraction.
- The driver’s mind isn’t on driving if there’s a cognitive distraction.
Some distractions involve only one of those, but others involve multiple.
2. Distractions are present everywhere
Many people think cellphones are the primary distraction for drivers, but many other things can claim a driver’s attention. Billboards, passengers, eating, drinking and changing the entertainment options are all examples of things that are distracting.
3. Short distractions can lead to crashes
Even short distractions can be catastrophic. If a vehicle goes 55 miles per hour, it will go 100 yards, the football field’s length, in just five seconds. That’s the average time it takes to check a text message. With that in mind, it’s easy to see how dangerous a distraction can be.
Victims of distracted driving crashes can suffer from catastrophic injuries that require them to have ongoing medical care. They may file a personal injury claim to help with the costs of the crash. This can include medical care, lost wages and other financial damages.