With the emergence of cellphones and smartphones, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents. However, distracted driving isn’t always necessarily using your phone behind the wheel. It can come in a variety of forms.
In fact, there are three distinct categories of distracted driving that any Florida driver should be aware of.
Visual
Most people associate distracted driving with visual distractions. This often includes using a phone while driving, especially when you’re texting or using a GPS. Even the shortest glance down at your phone can lead to an accident. When you’re traveling at 55 mph, in the time it takes for you to look away from the road for just five seconds, you can cover hundreds of feet.
But cellphones are not the only visual distractions that take drivers’ eyes from the road. Landmarks, buildings, road signs and even other passengers can act as visual distractions for drivers.
Manual
That’s right — taking even just one hand off of the wheel can make for a distracted driver. Usually, you have a reason for removing your hand from your steering wheel. Whether it’s to change the radio station, search for something in your handbag or give something to a backseat passenger, manual distractions can easily lead to accidents because you don’t have as much control over your car.
Cognitive
It’s easy to let our minds wander when we’re on the road, especially if it’s a long journey. But daydreaming and other cognitive distractions are extremely common in all drivers, and it can lead to pretty serious accidents. Even loud music, interesting radio programs or conversations with a passenger can divert your attention.
Cognitive distractions are arguably the most common form of distracted driving, and unfortunately, there is no way to monitor how often your mind loses focus. Unlike cellphone use, a police officer cannot penalize you for daydreaming, since there is no obvious way to outwardly tell if someone is cognitively distracted.
Get help after a car accident
Even though these are distinct categories of distracted driving, they often overlap. As a driver, you have a responsibility to keep yourself and other drivers safe by keeping distractions to a minimum.
Unfortunately, even the most focused and aware drivers can get into accidents. If you were in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for any damages your received, including injuries.