What Is Distracted Driving?
This occurs when a driver’s attention is taken away from the road. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categorizes distractions into three types: visual, when you take your eyes off the road; manual, when you remove your hands from the wheel; and cognitive, when your mind is focused on something other than driving. Any activity that diverts attention from driving, whether for a few seconds, can significantly increase the risk of an accident.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving
One of the most dangerous distractions is using a cellphone while driving. Reading or responding to a text takes an average of five seconds, enough time to travel the length of a football field at highway speeds. Other common distractions include eating or drinking, which forces drivers to take their hands off the wheel; adjusting music or GPS settings, which diverts attention from the road; and grooming while driving, which reduces reaction time in case of sudden hazards.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed the lives of over 3,300 people in 2022. These accidents are entirely preventable if drivers remain focused and eliminate unnecessary distractions.
Follow these essential safety tips to reduce the risks associated with distracted driving. Put your phone away or enable “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving to avoid temptation. If you need to send a message or adjust your GPS, pull over to a safe location before doing so. Keep both hands on the wheel and avoid multitasking, such as eating or applying makeup, while driving. Additionally, if you are driving with passengers, ask them to assist with navigation or adjusting music so you can keep your full attention on the road.
At Nourmand Legal, we are committed to protecting the rights of accident victims. Call us today at (800) 550-9816 for a free consultation. Let us help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.