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Defining the different types of driving distractions

On Behalf of | Sep 23, 2019 | Car Accidents

“Distracted driving” is a term that you hear more and more in relation to car accidents in Naples. Yet like most, you likely assume that when authorities are referencing it, they are referring to people using their cell phones while driving. That is the assumption held by many of those who come to see us here at The Caldarone Law Group, P.A. They, however, have discovered (as you may also have) that distracted driving is less a designation of a singular type of action than it is a broad categorization. 

Exactly what do we mean by this? A joint research effort between the Auto Alliance and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons identified the following  three distinct types of driving distractions: 

  • Manual distractions
  • Cognitive distraction
  • Visual distractions

Manual distractions refer to any action that forces you to use your hands for any purpose other than what they should be doing while driving (which is grasping the steering wheel). Cognitive and visual distractions are similar in that they both distract you from the road ahead (visual distractions pull your eyes away from the road, while cognitive distractions divert your attention). 

Looking at the issue from this perspective, you can see how using a cell phone while driving is indeed distracting. What may be alarming, however, is just how many other actions that many engage in behind the wheel also are. These include seemingly harmless activities like eating, drinking, reading traffic signs or even adjusting the car radio. 

Drivers are charged with avoiding distractions at all costs. If the driver that caused your accident implies that they were distracted in any way, that may provide you with the grounds needed to pursue a liability claim. You can learn more about recognizing distracted driving by continuing to explore our site. 

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