Distracted driving kills and is dangerous in any form. There are several different types od distracted driving that can lead to distracted driving accidents. Drivers should ensure they avoid distracted driving in all of its forms and victims should know that personal injury legal protections may be available to them.
The different types of distracted driving
There are several types of distracted driving including visual, manual and cognitive.
- Visual distracted driving – visual distractions remove the driver’s eyes from the roadway.
- Manual distracted driving – manual distraction removes the driver’s hands from the steering wheel.
- Cognitive distracted driving – cognitive distraction removes the driver’s attention and focus from driving.
One of the primary examples of distracted driving is texting while driving or using a cell phone while driving. Texting while driving combines all three types of driver distraction because it removes the driver’s eyes and hands from driving and their mind from driving as well. Other examples of distracted driving include eating while driving, grooming while driving, reading while driving or operating a radio or navigation device while driving.
Victims need not bear the costs of the distracted driving accident
Regardless of the type of distraction, all distracted driving behavior is dangerous. During 2018, it is estimated that greater than 2,800 victims were killed and another 400,000 were injured in distracted driving-related car accidents. Distracted driving can take its toll and be costly in terms of loss of life and other injuries and damages to victims. For that reason, victims of distracted drivers and their families should be familiar with personal injury legal resources that can protect them and may help them recover compensation for the damages they have suffered.