Distracted driving is often cited as a factor in preventable motor vehicle accidents in Southern California. However, much of the talk around this issue is not specific enough to be helpful. Understanding what the most problematic distractions are can help drivers to make better decisions behind the wheel, and that can help prevent accidents on California’s roads.
Three big types of distractions
Road safety experts have found a way to categorize the most common distractions implicated in motor vehicle accidents. It’s all about the type of thing interfering with the driver’s attention. These are visual, manual and cognitive distractions.
Visual distractions are things like smartphones. Some experts even argue that modern automobile infotainment systems are a major distraction for drivers. Another example of a visual distraction would be looking for an object that fell off a seat onto the floor while you were driving.
Manual distractions involve things like operating a cell phone, applying makeup or eating. It’s anything that interferes with your ability to physically drive and keep your hands on the wheel. Even something like setting a GPS destination or changing the volume on the radio is a manual distraction.
Finally, cognitive distractions live between your ears. Essentially, they’re about focus. If your mind is divided between driving and talking to your friends, that’s a cognitive distraction. If you’re emotional about a big argument or a bad day at work, that’s a cognitive distraction. It’s important to be able to leave the processing of some feelings and thoughts for a time when you’re not behind the wheel.
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by someone else’s distracted driving, contact us today. We have extensive experience in representing people like you who have been harmed by the negligence of other motorists.
