People who are driving around need to be able to focus on the road. Other things around them, such as children in their vehicle or a cellphone can’t take precedence while that vehicle is in motion.
Understanding distractions may make it easier for drivers to avoid these behaviors. Additionally, it may help victims of distracted driving crashes as they try to put together their case.
Types of distractions
There are three types of distractions that can negatively impact how safely a driver operates their vehicle.
- Cognitive distractions: These affect a person’s ability to think about what they need to do while they’re driving.
- Manual distractions: These force the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel to do something else.
- Visual distractions: These require the driver to take their eyes off the road while they look at something else.
Some distractions encompass only one of these, but others include more than one. Regardless of how many types of distractions are present, all distracted driving can lead to crashes that cause serious injuries or even death to innocent victims.
Length of distraction
The length of the distraction the driver faces is often a factor in these cases, but even short distractions can be catastrophic. If a vehicle is moving 55 miles per hour, it moves the length of a football field in just five seconds. That length of roadway without a driver being in control of what’s going on with the vehicle is enough for a serious crash to occur.
Victims of distracted driving crashes should ensure they get appropriate medical care. This can be costly and may be necessary long term. These victims may opt to pursue a compensation claim that names the distracted driver as the defendant. Because these cases can be so complex, it’s a good idea to have a legal representative to help tie everything together and get the case filed prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations.