The 3 Main Types of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a very common issue in the United States. If you’re thinking of specific types of distraction, there are far more than three. For example, drivers can be distracted by the GPS, by cellphones, by passengers, by trying to eat and drink in the car, and by many of the different types of technology built into modern vehicles.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there are still three main categories for distracted driving. Most of the actions noted above will fit into these categories. They are as follows.

Manual distractions

When someone isn’t holding the steering wheel, they are being manually distracted. For instance, a driver, who picks up a cup of coffee only has one hand left on the wheel. The same is true for a parent who turns to pick something up for a child in the car.

Visual distractions

Drivers do not have to let go of the controls to be distracted. It’s very common for people to look away from the road. This is why cellphones are such an issue, for instance, as people look down at the screen to text and drive or pick a new playlist. But even something like a billboard or another car accident can be a visual distraction.

Cognitive distractions

Finally, it’s important to remember that mental distractions also occur. Someone may simply be daydreaming. They may be very stressed out at work or thinking about getting a divorce. When their mind wanders, they are not nearly as safe behind the wheel.

Since distractions are so common, these car accidents are going to continue. Those who have been injured in these accidents need to know how to seek financial compensation.