When a driver is behind the wheel, his or her primary job is the task at hand, which is driving safely. Anything that takes a person’s attention off the road counts as distracted driving, and it can lead to an increased chance of an accident. There are different types of distraction, but they are all dangerous, and they all place motorists at risk of injury or death.
Different types of behaviors lead to different types of distraction. While phones are to blame for a significant number of distraction-related accidents, it is not the only thing that can cause harm. As a Florida driver, you may find it helpful to learn more about the different types of distracted driving and how you can stay safe on the road.
The eyes, the brain and the hands
Distraction affects a driver’s eyes, brain and hands. It can affect all three together or one at a time. While they are different, they are equally dangerous when someone is operating a moving vehicle. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the main types of distraction include:
- Visual distraction — This is anything that causes a driver to look away from the road. Things that can do this include reading a text, looking at a billboard, looking at a passenger in the mirror, putting on makeup and more.
- Manual distraction — This is anything that causes a driver to take his or her hands off the wheel. It can include typing a text, adjusting the radio or even eating a sandwich while driving.
- Cognitive distraction — This is anything that takes a driver’s focus off the road, even with hands on the wheel and eyes off the road. From talking to a passenger to daydreaming, cognitive distraction is dangerous.
If you are a victim of a distraction-related accident, it is possible any of these things are to blame. Regardless of what a driver was doing at the time of the crash, it is possible to hold him or her accountable for the actions that left you injured.
Discuss your legal options
You can take immediate action after an accident to learn about the legal options available to you. Working with an experienced attorney from the beginning of the process ensures you secure important evidence and move forward with the process as soon as reasonably possible. An evaluation of your case can help you understand if this is the appropriate route for you.