In California, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety, you cannot use an electronic device in your hand while you drive. Although you can use hands-free capabilities, if you are under the age of 18, it is illegal to use a cellphone in any capacity behind the wheel.
Using a cellphone while driving is a dangerous activity that can threaten your safety and the safety of others. But there are other types of distraction that can increase your chances of getting into an accident, too.
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Manual
When you take one or both hands off of the steering wheel, you become manually distracted. If, for example, you reach for something on your passenger seat while your vehicle is in motion, you become manually distracted.
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Visual
Any time you take your eyes off the road in front of you, visual distraction occurs. For instance, if you look at a GPS device to get directions or look down at your cellphone as you drive, you become visually distracted.
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Cognitive
Cognitive distraction happens when you stop focusing on driving. For example, if you focus less on driving and more on what you have to do at work during your commute, you are cognitively distracted.
Although any activity that is cognitively, visually or manually distracting is dangerous, texting and driving is the most hazardous because it combines all three types of distraction. If you sustained injuries in an accident caused by a negligent driver, contact The Law Office of Aman N. Shah.
