Distracted driving is one of the most common and dangerous types of reckless driving that takes place on our roads. In just 2017 alone, nearly 3,200 lives were taken in these horrific accidents that leave many victims with injuries and wondering how they can hold a party responsible for their actions. However, did you know that there are several types of distractions that occur on our roads as we drive?
The truth is, distracted driving takes on many forms. These include talking or texting on the phone, fiddling with the GPS, changing your stereo, talking to those in your vehicle, and many other reasons. Unless the road has your full attention, you are not driving as safely as possible.
The Many Forms of Distracted Driving
Visual: Visual distractions are some of the most common types of distractions that occur on our roads. They include any aspect that takes a driver’s eyes away from the road, which in turn affects their attention. This means that a driver is engaging in this type of distraction when they are looking for items in their vehicle, looking at scenery on the side of the road, looking at a text message, or turning around to look at somebody in their backseat. In just the blink of an eye, removing your attention from the roads could lead to a horrific and life-altering accident.
Manual: Manual distractions are usually combined with visual distractions. They occur when the driver removes their hands from the steering wheel for any reason. This means that you are engaging in manual distractions when you change the radio with your hands or when you send out a text to another person. A driver could quickly lose control when they engage in these acts.
Cognitive: These types of distractions occur when a driver’s mind is being taken away from the focus of the road. A cognitive distraction most commonly occurs when you are driving down the road and your thoughts are on something else and you cannot remember the last ten minutes of your trip. There are many things that can take a person’s attention away from the road such as a stressful event or having trouble concentrating due to a new medication. There are many ways that a person might not be in the right state of mind while they are driving.
Speaking with an Attorney After a Distracted Driving Event
There are many ways that a potential accident could occur on Florida roadways when a driver’s main focus is not on the road in front of them. If you have been injured in an accident that you believe has taken place due to a distracted driver, you should always speak with a Florida car accident attorney immediately. At Sheftall & Associates, our attorneys have assisted numerous victims on their path toward compensation for a variety of aspects. Please contact our law firm at 904-647-2296 to find out how we can assist you.
