The Top Five Driving Distractions That Increase Your Risk Of Being Involved In An Accident

Experts break activities that qualify as distracted driving into three main categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. The first includes activities that take a person’s eyes off the road, while manual distractions take a driver’s hands off the wheel and cognitive distractions involve taking one’s mind off driving. While some distractions fall firmly under one category, it is not uncommon for certain activities to satisfy two or even three of these definitions. Distracted driving is always dangerous, making it especially important for motorists to have a thorough understanding of the most worrisome activities, as well as how to avoid them. Unfortunately, even those who use the greatest care could end up involved in an accident. For help with your own claim, please call one of our dedicated Fort Lauderdale auto accident lawyers today.

Texting, Email, and Social Media App Usage

Texting, sending emails, and using social media applications are some of the most dangerous activities that a person can engage in while driving, as they involve all three types of distraction and so significantly increase a person’s chances of being involved in a crash.

Talking on the Phone

Talking on the phone can impede a person’s ability to control a vehicle. Unfortunately, even using hands-free technology doesn’t ensure that a driver can safely talk on the phone and drive at the same time. For instance, studies have revealed that talking on the phone (whether hands-free or handheld) slows drivers’ reactions by as much as 40 percent.

Eating or Drinking

Whether drinking coffee on the way to work or grabbing a quick lunch from a fast food restaurant, Americans eat and drink in their cars constantly. Unfortunately, doing so can be dangerous, as unwrapping items requires a person to take his or her hands off the wheel, while the actual act of eating and drinking can obstruct a person’s view.

Grooming

While many motorists try to save a few minutes in their day by applying make-up, combing their hair, or even changing their clothes in the car, the time this saves is actually dwarfed by the increased risk posed by these kinds of visual and manual distractions. Engaging in these activities could even force a person’s hands off the wheel entirely and render them useless in the event of an impending collision.

Reaching for Something

Although it’s rarely thought of as a distraction, reaching for something while driving is actually a serious risk to a driver’s safety. Whether twisting and straining to reach something that has fallen on the floor, or retrieving a phone, food item, or pair of sunglasses, this kind of activity reduces a driver’s control of the wheel and takes his or her eyes off the road, both of which can prove deadly.

Reach Out to an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer

Call Boone & Davis today at 954-566-9919 to set up a free case review with one of our dedicated auto accident lawyers. You can also learn more about your legal options by completing and submitting one of our online contact forms.

Resource:

cdc.gov/transportationsafety/distracted_driving/index.html#distraction-types