Some drivers falsely believe that they can multitask while they’re driving without it having any negative impacts on their ability to drive. This is sometimes because they’ve been driving for years; however, that overconfidence in their driving abilities can lead to significant consequences on the roads.
Drivers should always avoid anything that takes their focus away from the road. This includes manual, auditory, visual and cognitive distractions. Some drivers don’t realize when they’re succumbing to these distractions.
Even common activities can be distracting
Many people like to listen to music while they drive, but they may not realize that having the music turned up too loud is an auditory distraction. Reaching over to change the song or station is a manual distraction, and it can also be a visual distraction since they have to look over at the controls. In some cases, it can be a cognitive distraction if the driver is so focused on trying to find a song or station that it takes over their mind.
Other common activities that are actually distractions include looking at billboards and thinking about how to fix a problem at work. Eating something, grabbing a sip of coffee and talking to other drivers are also common distractions.
Distracted driving crashes can lead to significant injuries, so it’s critical that all drivers avoid operating their vehicles while giving anything else attention. Victims will likely need medical care, which can be a costly expense. They may choose to seek compensation for the financial damages that are the result of the crash.