3 Types of Distracted Driving You Should Know About

There are three types of Distracted driving, and here are some scenarios that better explain what they look like. 

Here are some scenarios – someone might be talking on the phone and driving. Looking at the billboard while driving is another example. Looking at the phone, grooming, drinking, and doing similar things when driving. 

These are some of the most common examples of driving while you are distracted. 

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in the United States, responsible for thousands of fatalities and injuries annually. Smartphone is the common culprit behind people getting injured while driving. 

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, consulting a car accident lawyer in Denver can help you navigate your legal options. They can assist in securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving refers to any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. This can involve visual distractions (taking your eyes off the road), manual distractions (removing your hands from the wheel), or cognitive distractions (thinking about something other than driving). Each of these distractions poses significant risks, often leading to collisions and other dangerous incidents.

Distracted driving has affected people in the USA more than we actually take note of. For example, back in 2021, 3522 people died in crashes that happened due to distractions. The number of injuries due to distractions was 362,415. Distracted driving can cause the death of cyclists, pedestrians, etc. 

3 Types of Distracted Driving Causing Accidents

Most of these distractions are visual. It can also happen due to manual distractions or cognitive distractions. These are the three main types of distractions that can cause death or accidents during driving. 

We have started with visual distractions.

1. What is Visual Distraction?

Visual distractions occur when drivers divert their eyes from the road. These distractions can last only a few seconds but are enough to cause catastrophic consequences.

Common Examples:

• Looking at a GPS or map.
• Checking text messages or notifications on a phone.
• Observing roadside advertisements or scenery.

Consequences of Visual Distractions:

Even a brief distraction can have disastrous effects. For example, at 60 mph, looking away for five seconds means a driver travels the length of a football field without seeing the road. This makes it nearly impossible to react to sudden obstacles or changes in traffic patterns.

2. What areManual Distractions?

Manual distractions involve removing one or both hands from the steering wheel, reducing a driver’s ability to control their vehicle.

Common Examples:

• Eating or drinking while driving.
• Adjusting the radio or climate controls.
• Searching for items in the car, such as sunglasses or a phone.

Consequences of Manual Distractions:

Manual distractions not only reduce control but also increase the likelihood of oversteering or failing to break in time. This type of distraction is particularly dangerous in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions, where quick reflexes are essential.

3. What are Cognitive Distractions?

Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving. These distractions are often the hardest to detect because they involve internal thought processes rather than physical actions.

Common Examples:

• Daydreaming or thinking about personal problems.
• Engaging in deep conversations, either in person or via hands-free devices.
• Experiencing heightened emotions, such as anger or anxiety.

Consequences of Cognitive Distractions:

When a driver’s mind is elsewhere, their reaction times slow significantly, and they are less likely to notice hazards. Cognitive distractions often lead to rear-end collisions or missing critical road signs, such as stop signs or yield markers.

Why Distracted Driving is Especially Dangerous

Distracted driving is particularly hazardous because it combines multiple types of distractions. For instance, sending a text message involves visual (reading the text), manual (typing), and cognitive (thinking about the message) distractions simultaneously. This multitasking significantly increases the risk of accidents.

The Legal Implications of Distracted Driving

In Colorado, distracted driving is considered a form of negligence, meaning that at-fault drivers can be held liable for damages. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses.
• Property damage.
• Lost income.
• Pain and suffering.

A car accident lawyer in Denver can help victims gather evidence, such as phone records or witness statements, to prove that distracted driving caused the accident. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair settlements.

Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

Preventing distracted driving starts with awareness and responsible behavior. Here are some tips to stay focused:

1. Put Your Phone Away: Use apps or built-in features to block notifications while driving.
2. Prepare Before Driving: Adjust your mirrors, set your GPS, and find your playlist before hitting the road.
3. Limit Passenger Distractions: If you’re driving with children or pets, ensure they are secure and have what they need before starting the trip.
4. Stay Focused: Remind yourself that driving requires your full attention. If you feel your mind wandering, take a break.

Distracted Driving Laws in Colorado

Colorado has implemented several laws to combat distracted driving:

• Texting While Driving: Texting is illegal for drivers of all ages, with fines and points added to your driving record for violations.
• Hands-Free Requirements: Although Colorado does not mandate hands-free devices for all drivers, minimizing phone use while driving is strongly encouraged.
• Teen Drivers: For drivers under 18, any cell phone use while driving is prohibited except in emergencies.

Adhering to these laws not only helps prevent accidents but also reduces your risk of legal penalties.

What to Do if A Distracted Driver injures you?

If you’re involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, taking the right steps can strengthen your case:

1. Call the Police: Obtain an official accident report, which can be vital evidence.
2. Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and surrounding area.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Even minor injuries should be evaluated to avoid complications.
4. Consult a Lawyer: A car accident lawyer in Denver can guide you through the claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Is Social Media Distracting You When Driving? Here’s How to Avoid

Social media can be distracting. Some of us have the habit of using social media when driving our cars. But, It’s best to avoid it if you don’t want accidents to happen to you and the pedestrians on the street. Here are some good habits to build –

• Turn off your phone or put it on silent mode. When your phone is not available when you are driving it’ll give you a better chance to avoid collison. 
• Put your phone where you can’t reach it. Keeping it out of your reach gives you a better chance of staying focused on driving alone. 
• If you have to put the phone on, then stop the social media notifications at first. This way, you’ll have less distraction. 
• When you are using your phone’s map feature, it’s easy to get distracted. But, if you plan your route and remember landmarks where you’ll take a turn, then it’ll be easier to drive without your phone’s screen on. 

Conclusion

Distracted driving remains a pervasive issue, but understanding its types and consequences can help drivers stay vigilant. Whether visual, manual, or cognitive, distractions endanger everyone on the road.

If you’ve been affected by a distracted driving accident, reach out to a trusted car accident lawyer in Denver for legal support. With the right representation, you can pursue justice and focus on recovery while holding negligent drivers accountable.