You have insurance, follow all the traffic laws and work to drive defensively and never be distracted. This helps to keep you and your passengers safe, and protects other drivers on the road. What happens when another driver’s distracted driving leads to a situation you cannot avoid?
Whether it is a fender bender or a serious collision, the results are often the same. One person ends up injured because of another’s negligence. Distracted driving can be organized into three categories, and you should know what to watch for when you believe a driver next to you is distracted.
1. Manual distractions
These are distractions that force a driver to take at least one hand off the wheel, oftenn both hands. Manual distractions include adjusting the radio, drinking or eating, managing children in the back seat, smoking or rummaging through a purse or wallet.
These types of distractions can be avoided by making all necessary adjustments before starting the car, moving the phone out of reach and pulling over before reaching for anything out of reach.
2. Cognitive distractionsf
Cognitive distractions are things that take your mind off the road and make it difficult to focus on driving. Accidents are often caused by a driver who is having a conversation with a passenger, daydreaming or dealing with road rage.
Cognitive distractions can be avoided when drivers stay off the phone while they are on the road and pull over whenever emotions get out of control.
3. Visual distractions
These include anything that takes your eyes off the road, including changing radio stations, taking in a beautiful view, putting on makeup, searching for items on the floor or adjusting a GPS.
These can be avoided when drivers pull over to read maps and directions, turn phones off and always keep their eyes on the road.
Have you been negatively affected by distracted driving?
If you have been in an accident caused by a driver who was distracted, you may face expensive medical bills and property repair costs. We encourage you to speak to an attorney immediately about what types of compensation you are eligible for.