Distracted driving is one of the most significant dangers on the road today, contributing to thousands of car accidents annually. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving resulted in 3,308 deaths in 2022 alone. Even a moment of distraction can have severe consequences, endangering the driver, passengers, and everyone else on the road. While people most commonly think about phone use as the main form of distracted driving, there are several other types that exist that are equally as dangerous. In this article, we will discuss the four main types of distractions– cognitive, manual, visual, and auditory.
Cognitive Distractions
A cognitive distraction occurs when a driver’s mind wanders away from the task at hand – driving. Even though your hands might be on the wheel and you are looking at the road, mentally, you might not be present. Common cognitive distractions include daydreaming, thinking about personal issues, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed or stressed. The reality is that mental distractions can significantly impair one’s ability to drive safely and react to unexpected conditions or obstacles on the road. If you have been injured in an accident involving a distracted driver, it is important to reach out to a San Antonio car accident attorney who can protect your legal rights and ensure you recover maximum compensation.
Manual Distractions
The next type of distraction is manual distraction. This occurs when a driver takes one or both hands off the steering wheel. This type of distraction is particularly dangerous as it limits the driver’s control over their vehicle. Some of the most common manual distractions include eating, drinking, adjusting car controls, reaching for an object, or using your phone. Although it may be tempting to multitask while driving, it is ultimately not safe to do so. If you must, pull over to avoid any potentially fatal manual distractions that may inhibit your ability to drive.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions encompass any activity that takes your eyes off the road. Even looking away for a split second can lead to a serious accident. If you aren’t looking at the road, you likely won’t see other vehicles, pedestrians, or unexpected obstacles – the effects of which can be fatal. Common visual distractions include looking at your phone, looking at your GPS system for directions, or observing the aftermath of an accident. Any time you are behind the wheel, be sure to keep both eyes on the road to avoid potential disaster.
Auditory Distractions
Like cognitive distractions, auditory distractions are much more difficult to detect than manual and visual distractions. They include any sound that diverts your attention from the road and can include listening to loud music, engaging in an intense conversation over the phone, phone notifications, or even listening to noisy passengers. Although auditory distractions might seem minor compared to the other three types of distractions, they can still cause drivers to miss important auditory cues that are essential to safe driving, such as a car horn or the sirens of an emergency vehicle. If you must, turn down the volume of your music while driving or politely ask your passengers to keep it down so that you can focus on the task at hand.