Distracted While Driving: What are Some Common Reasons?

Distracted driving is a major cause of road accidents and associated deaths experienced by motorists and pedestrians. Although potential distractions can arise while driving, drivers are required to maintain their attention and alertness on the road. 

A 2019 CDC report revealed that 424,000 people experienced injuries and 3100 people died because of distracted driving accidents in 2019.

Let’s explore some common sources of distracted driving.

Distractions While Driving

Distracted driving  can refer to anything that takes the driver’s attention away from driving and the road. This can include reaching out to distant objects, looking at an object or person outside the vehicle, reading a book, drinking, and eating.

Drivers also get distracted when dialing or scrolling through phones, listening to music on headphones, and inserting compact discs into the vehicle’s music system.

Drivers may become distracted by other people or things; for instance, a buzzing insect in the vehicle and a passenger or child on their side or the rear seat. Sweet or sour smells from passengers or things outside or within the vehicle all have the potential to distract drivers.

How to Manage Driver Distraction

Drivers can manage distractions by staying focused on the road ahead. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 1225-d provides that “no person shall operate a motor vehicle while using any portable electronic device while such vehicle is in motion.”

Drivers who violate this law can become distracted. To avoid violating this law, the driver can always, pull over to pick up a call or read a text message. Passengers can also potentially assume the responsibility while the car is in motion.

What are the Different Types of Distractions While Driving?

According to the NHTSA, three types of distractions a driver may experience include visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.

1.  Visual Distractions

Visual distractions divert the driver’s eyes from the road. They include reading a text or scrolling through an electronic device such as a phone or iPad.Visual distractions can significantly increase the risk of a car accident. A Large-Truck Crash Causation Study revealed that text messaging on a cell phone while driving increased crash risk more than 23 times. 

2.    Manual Distractions

Manual distractions are activities that force the driver to take their hands off the wheel. For instance, when dialing a phone and answering a handheld phone.

3.    Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive distractions take the driver’s mental attention and focus off the road. This type of distraction can involve thoughts about something other than the driving task. 

The William Mattar P.C. legal team is dedicated to ensuring that clients injured by distracted driving receive maximum compensation. If you are seeking legal assistance after a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our office: (844) 444-4444.