Are There Different Types Of Distracted Driving?

Yes, there are a few different forms of distracted driving, and the behaviors have become a significant source of concern on Florida roads as distracted drivers contribute to numerous accidents and injuries each year.

While it is common for people to associate distracted driving with phone use, it is important to recognize that distractions happen in a variety of ways. A Delray Beach personal injury attorney can guide you through the recovery process if you have been involved in an accident due to distracted driving.

How Cognitive, Manual, and Visual Distractions Differ

If you were involved in a Florida distracted driving accident, it is likely the distracted driving behaviors will be defined as cognitive, manual, visual, or a combination of these types.

• Cognitive distractions. When a driver’s attention is diverted from the task of driving to other thoughts or daydreaming, they are cognitively distracted. Examples of cognitive distraction include engaging in deep conversations or being lost in thought. This is risky because it impairs a driver’s focus on the road and decreases their ability to react promptly to potential hazards.
• Manual distractions. Physically taking one or both hands off the steering wheel is participating in manual distraction, such as eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or climate controls, or reaching for objects within the vehicle. Even a momentary lapse of having one’s hands on the controls increases the risk of a collision and limits the driver’s ability to steer or brake effectively.
• Visual distractions. When a driver’s eyes are diverted away from the road, they are visually distracted. This happens when a person is driving but turns their vision to reading or typing on a mobile device, looking at a GPS or map, or focusing on something happening outside the vehicle. Visual distractions reduce a driver’s surrounding awareness and can lead to missing traffic signals or striking pedestrians and other vehicles.

All of these risks can be avoided with care and planning. Because the most common and dangerous form of distracted driving is cell phone use, simply place your devices in a secure spot where it won’t tempt you to check messages or calls when driving. Additionally, when drivers prepare for a journey in advance, they can adjust the climate controls, select a playlist, or set their GPS destination before they start driving, minimizing the possibility of participating in manual and cognitive distractions while on the road.

Bring Your Concerns to an Attorney

If you have questions about cognitive, manual, or visual distractions and you believe one or all of these forms of distracted driving led to your accident injuries, discuss your case with a Delray Beach personal injury attorney.

Have you been hurt because of a distracted driver’s negligent behavior? Connect with the legal team at Earnhart Law in Delray Beach to have over 30 years of experience on your side. Hiring legal counsel means you will not accept a recovery amount that is too low, your attorney will fight for a full and fair settlement. To learn about the full value of your claim, call 561-265-2220 or contact us online.