What Are the Most Common Types of Distractions While Driving?
Table of Contents
- Distracted Driving Factoid
- The Hidden Dangers of Distracted Driving
- Common Activities Leading to Distracted Driving
- The Consequences of Distracted Driving
- How to Prevent Distracted Driving
- What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
- Get Legal Help After a Distracted Driving Accident
Driving requires your full attention—anything less could be deadly. Yet, distractions while driving happen every day.
They are one of the leading causes of accidents on the road, leading to thousands of injuries and deaths each year.
It is essential to understand what distractions are and how they can affect your ability to drive safely.
Distracted Driving Factoid
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Fatalities Due to Distracted Driving (2022) | 3,308 |
| Average Time Texting Takes Eyes Off the Road | 5 seconds |
| At 55 mph, Distance Covered While Texting | Length of a football field |
| Age Group Most at Risk for Distracted Driving | 15-20 years old |
| Annual Number of Injuries from Distracted Driving | Thousands |
The Hidden Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving doesn’t just refer to texting or calling while behind the wheel—it can be anything that diverts your focus from the road.
Whether it’s reaching for something, talking to passengers, or adjusting controls in the car, distractions come in many forms.
Each moment you spend distracted takes away from your ability to react to road hazards, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions happen when your eyes are not focused on the road. Examples include looking at your phone, glancing at a billboard, or checking the GPS.
If you take your eyes off the road for just five seconds while driving at 55 mph, you will have traveled the length of a football field—blind. That’s dangerous!
Even a quick glance away can prevent you from seeing obstacles or other vehicles in time to avoid a crash.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions involve taking your hands off the wheel.
This can happen when you are adjusting the radio, eating, or grabbing something from the backseat.
When your hands aren’t on the wheel, you lose control over the vehicle’s movements.
This is why it’s recommended to always keep both hands on the steering wheel and minimize any actions that require you to let go.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions occur when your mind is not fully focused on driving.
This can happen when you’re lost in thought, stressed, or having an intense conversation.
Even though your hands and eyes may be on the road, your brain is elsewhere, reducing your reaction time and decision-making abilities.
It’s essential to keep your mind clear and fully present while driving.
Common Activities Leading to Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can stem from many everyday activities that people may not realize are dangerous.
While texting and driving is one of the most well-known distractions, many other common behaviors can take your attention away from the road.
These activities, though seemingly harmless, can have serious consequences.
Texting and Mobile Phone Use
Texting while driving is often considered the most dangerous distraction. It involves all three types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive.
When you send or read a text, you take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting can take your eyes off the road for five seconds.
If you’re driving at 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field without looking. The risks are clear—this simple action can easily lead to fatal accidents.
Eating and Drinking While Driving
Many drivers don’t think twice about grabbing a quick bite to eat or sip of coffee during their commute. However, eating and drinking can also be dangerous distractions.
When you’re eating, you’re not just taking one hand off the wheel—you’re also shifting your focus away from driving.
This decreases your ability to react quickly to hazards, increasing your risk of accidents.
For instance, something as simple as spilling a drink can cause a sudden distraction, leading to poor decision-making on the road.
Talking to Passengers
Engaging in conversations with passengers is another common distraction that drivers may overlook.
While it’s natural to talk to people in your car, it’s important to recognize how this can take your attention off the road.
The more involved you are in a conversation, the less focus you have on your surroundings. This is especially true when talking to children or trying to resolve conflicts between passengers.
These conversations can become cognitive distractions, reducing your reaction time in critical moments.
The Consequences of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving doesn’t just lead to close calls—it often results in severe consequences.
When a driver’s attention is divided, even for a few seconds, accidents can happen in an instant.
These consequences can range from minor injuries to life-changing events, impacting not just the driver but everyone involved in the crash.
Legal Consequences and Laws
Driving distracted isn’t just dangerous—it’s illegal in many places.
Most states have laws prohibiting texting while driving, and many have expanded these laws to include any use of handheld devices.
Depending on where you live, being caught driving distracted could result in a hefty fine, points on your license, or even jail time if someone is injured or killed due to your distraction.
For instance, fines for distracted driving in some states can reach as high as $500 or more, and repeat offenders can face even stiffer penalties.
These laws are in place to protect everyone, including pedestrians and other road users.
How to Prevent Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents, but it’s something that can be avoided with some careful habits and awareness.
Staying focused behind the wheel is critical for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Here are 5 important tips to help prevent distracted driving:
- Silence Your Phone and Keep It Out of Reach
- Prepare Before You Start Driving
- Eat and Drink Before You Drive
- Keep Both Hands on the Wheel
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
Being involved in a distracted driving accident can be overwhelming and frightening, but knowing the steps to take afterward is crucial.
Whether you’re the driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian involved in the crash, taking the right actions immediately after the accident can help protect your rights and ensure your safety.
Ensure Safety and Call for Help
The first priority is safety.
If you’re physically able, move yourself and any passengers to a safe location, away from traffic, if possible.
Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the situation.
If anyone is injured, or if there’s significant damage to the vehicles, call 911 right away.
In cases where the accident seems minor, it’s still a good idea to call the police, as a police report will be critical later for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
Document the Scene
After a distracted driving accident, documenting the scene is a crucial step to protect your rights and ensure you have the necessary evidence for any insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Gathering detailed information immediately after the accident can help establish what happened and who may be at fault.
Even in stressful situations, taking a few moments to document the scene can make a significant difference later on.
Here are the key things you should do to document the scene effectively:
- Take Photos
- Get Contact Information
- Write Down Details
- Record Witness Statements
- Obtain a Police Report
Taking the time to properly document the scene of the accident will help you later on if there is a dispute about who is responsible.
This step is essential for protecting your interests and making sure all necessary details are captured.
Exchange Information and Cooperate with Authorities
You’ll need to exchange important information with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, insurance details, and driver’s license information.
When law enforcement arrives, cooperate fully and provide them with an accurate account of what happened.
Be honest, but avoid admitting fault, as the cause of the accident may be unclear at the time.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional.
Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not show symptoms right away but can become more serious over time.
Having a medical record of your injuries is also critical if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
Provide them with the documentation you gathered, including photos and witness information.
Keep in mind that insurance companies will likely try to minimize the amount they pay out, so having all the necessary evidence will help ensure you receive fair compensation.
Consult a Lawyer
If you were injured in the accident, it’s wise to consult a lawyer who specializes in personal injury cases.
Drake Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Insurance companies often don’t offer fair settlements, but with legal representation, you have a better chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Get Legal Help After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you’ve been involved in a distracted driving accident, it’s important to take action quickly.
Contact Drake Injury Lawyers, a trusted Birmingham car wreck attorney, to help guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at (205) 679-5193 to get the support you need.