We’ve all seen people texting while driving in New York. It’s common distracted driving behavior that is incredibly dangerous. One of the main reasons texting is such a risky thing to do behind the wheel is because it’s one activity that combines all the three main types of driving distractions: manual, visual and cognitive.
1. Manual driving distractions
Manual distractions cause a driver to take one or both hands off the wheel. Using a cellphone, adjusting the air conditioning, or reaching for a snack are all examples of manual distractions. A driver with only one hand on the wheel will be less prepared to take sudden decisive action if it’s needed.
2. Visual driving distractions
Visual distractions are any distraction that takes a driver’s eyes off the road. Even a safe driver will have some visual distractions from time to time when he or she checks the speedometer or a GPS. Prolonged and frequent visual distractions can lead to an increased risk of car accidents happening.
3. Cognitive driving distractions
Cognitive distractions are anything that takes a driver’s mind off the task of driving. If a driver is fighting with passengers or thinking too much about a podcast he or she is listening to, these things could cause cognitive distraction. Drowsiness, stress, and intoxication are also considered forms of cognitive distraction.
Distracted drivers can cause accidents
Distracted drivers are often the liable parties in multivehicle accidents. When someone is distracted behind the wheel, he or she may veer into traffic or fail to take appropriate actions when driving conditions change. In some cases, a distracted driver’s text history can be used as evidence against him or her in a car accident claim.