Most Indiana motorists know that distracted driving is a big problem. But many people don’t understand the how and why of it. For example, most people associate distracted driving with smartphone use. But there are several other ways that drivers can become distracted. Some of them have always been with us, like when a driver reaches for something and momentarily takes their eyes off the road. All of these distractions are dangerous.
Types of Distracted Driving
There are four main kinds of distracted driving. The first is visual distractions that lead people to look away from the road. Smartphones often fall into this category. An auditory distraction is related to noise. An example of this kind of distraction is getting caught up in a conversation, or playing music too loudly.
A manual distraction occurs when a driver reaches for something. It doesn’t matter whether that’s a soft drink, phone or map. It can still take the driver’s attention off the road. Finally, a cognitive distraction is simply losing focus. In this case, the driver’s eyes may be on the road, but their mind is not.
Consequences of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a big factor in causing motor vehicle accidents. This behavior leads to thousands of deaths every year. Distracted drivers don’t just hurt themselves and their passengers, either. In 2018, just over 500 nonoccupants were killed in these accidents. This demonstrates how risky distraction behind the wheel is for cyclists and pedestrians. If you have been injured in an accident caused by another motorist who was distracted or otherwise negligent in some other manner, you might want to have legal assistance when you are seeking compensation for medical bills and other losses.
