When behind the wheel, the main priority of a driver should be the safe operation of the vehicle and focusing on the task at hand. However, many drivers still engage in behaviors that are dangerous and distracting, such as texting. In fact, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents and is a serious safety concern for authorities in Alabama and across the country. Lack of focus, even for a few seconds, can have disastrous consequences for everyone.
While most people recognize distracted driving as a major problem, many continue to choose to engage in this problematic behavior. If you are the victim of a car accident, it is possible that your suffering is the result of a driver that made a negligent or reckless decision. It may be helpful for you to understand the effects of distracted driving, its impact on accidents and how you can move forward after this type of traumatic event.
Common types of distracted driving
One of the reasons that distracted driving is such a significant problem is that drivers often don’t recognize the things they are doing as dangerous or risky. Many also believe that they can safely multitask. It is important for all drivers to understand the different types of distraction, which include the following:
- Visual distraction — This includes anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, which can include reading a text, inputting information in a navigation system, looking at something on the side of the road and more.
- Manual distraction — This includes anything that causes a driver to remove one or both hands from the wheel. This might be due to typing a text, adjusting the radio, eating, drinking, putting on make-up and much more.
- Cognitive distraction — This includes anything that causes a driver to lose focus on the task at hand, such as listening to a phone call, daydreaming, talking with a passenger, listening to prompts from a navigational system and more.
Drivers are responsible for the choices they make behind the wheel, particularly those that cause harm to someone else. If you are suffering after a car accident caused by another driver, it is possible that you are a victim of distracted driving. An assessment of your case can help you understand if you have grounds to pursue legal action, but it is in your interests to move forward with this as quickly as possible.
