Distracted driving prompts images of careless teenagers texting away behind the wheel and a businessman reading notes on the upcoming meeting while flying down the highway. However, while these are accurate images of distracted driving, it is important to understand the three different types of distracted driving to protect yourself and your loved ones from automobile accidents.
Visual
One form of distracted driving is visual. Whether it be looking at a text, scrolling for a better song, or reaching for your phone that flew to the passenger’s side floorboard, maintaining visual contact with the road and your surroundings is crucial. This keeps you safe in your vehicle and can also help you spot and avoid a potential wreck.
Manual
This occurs when the driver’s hands are not on the wheel. Unfortunately for those driving along with their favorite song playing, dancing and leaving your steering wheel unattended is not a smart option and is a form of distracted driving.
Cognitive
This could be the most dangerous of all types of distracted driving because in this case, the driver has taken their mind off of driving. This is the reason why it is important not to drive when you are experiencing strong emotions, especially when crying. In order to react to hazardous occurrences on the road and to avoid accidents, drivers must be alert and able to process their surroundings. There is an actual occurrence called “highway hypnosis” where the driver is driving normally, but their mind is focused on something totally different. When they get out of this “daze,” they can’t recall the last few minutes of driving.
Distracted driving is a serious problem on our roads today. Texting and driving is at the forefront and many believe it is even more dangerous than drunk driving. If you were driving down the road at 55 mph and took just five seconds to look at a text, you would drive the length of a football field before looking at the road again.
The consequences of distracted driving are not something you want to think about, but it is the reality of drivers on the road today. However, you can employ tactics to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
Don’t be a distracted driver yourself. Don’t drive when you’re tired, put your phone out of reach, and keep both hands on the wheel. Make sure you are completely focused on the road and the drivers around you. When you are completely focused on driving, you will be better equipped to spot and avoid a potential accident. If you see a distracted driver, distance yourself from their vehicle as soon as possible.
While many accidents can be avoided, some cannot. If you have been hurt in an accident because of a distracted driver, contact Colley & Colley law firm in Tyler, Texas for a free consultation.
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