Negligence comes in many forms. Drivers can be significantly dangerous when they’re distracted by something other than driving. Distracted driving plays a role in many crashes, so it’s vital for drivers to recognize what types of distractions exist and how to stay safe when approaching a potentially negligent driver.
There are three types of distractions, including cognitive, visual, and manual.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions exist when the driver focuses on something else other than driving. These are just a few examples of cognitive distractions:
- Listening and singing along to loud music
- Having an intense phone conversation
- Speaking with passengers in the vehicle
- Reading text messages
There’s something called highway hypnosis that exists, as well. People drive a specific distance, and upon arriving at their destination, they don’t remember their drive. It’s almost like daydreaming and can be very dangerous.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions occur when the driver looks away from the road. Some of the most common visual distractions are cell phones and rubbernecking. Of course, looking down at a cell phone and away from the road is very dangerous. Rubbernecking occurs when something is happening on the side of the road, and the driver turns their head to watch the incident.
The result? The driver is not looking in front of them and can cause a crash.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions force the driver to take at least one of their hands from the steering wheel. They reach for items in the car, eat or drink, or pick up their cell phone to text. While many people believe they can drive safely with one hand, it’s potentially dangerous and can lead to a severe crash.
Texting and driving combines all three, making it one of the most dangerous actions on the road.
Our Alabama car accident lawyers at Morris Haynes Attorneys at Law work on your behalf to pursue maximum compensation after a crash. If a distracted driver crashes into you, know that you have rights and options to hold them accountable when it matters most.
Call our firm today at (205) 973-6915 for a free case review.