Drivers need to give their full attention to what’s going on around their vehicle so they can react appropriately. When the driver’s attention is claimed by anything else, they might not be able to take action to avoid a crash.
Some people mistakenly think that short distractions are acceptable behind the wheel. They aren’t. In only five seconds, which is the amount of time it takes to read or send a text message, a vehicle that’s traveling at 55 miles per hour will move the length of a regulation football field. That’s ample distance for a crash to occur.
Distractions come in several forms, so understanding what these are can help all drivers. A distraction can be one of these or a combination of more than one.
- Cognitive distractions take your mind away from your driving duties
- Visual distractions take your eyes away from the road
- Manual distractions take your hands away from the steering wheel
Many drivers realize the dangers of driving while they’re distracted, but they don’t realize just how far-reaching the distractions are. Even activities that some drivers don’t think about things like eating a burger or changing the radio station but these can be dangerous.
Even if you’re driving safely, others on the road might not. Because of this, you must ensure that you’re paying attention to what others are doing out there on the roads. It’s not always possible to avoid unsafe drivers. If you’re struck by a distracted driver, seek medical care for your injuries and pursue a claim for compensation.