What is distracted driving?

On Behalf of | Mar 12, 2021 | car accidents

Distracted driving is a problem in Indiana. With the invention of cell phones and mobile technology, distracted driving is more in the headlines. You are 23 times more likely to crash if you are distracted. Contrary to what you may think, you are not the one person who is skilled enough to text and drive.

What distraction?

There are three types of distracted driving:

  • Cognitive distraction that takes your mind away from driving
  • Visual distraction that takes your eyes away
  • Manual distraction that takes your hands away

Any of these can easily become the cause of an accident. A motor vehicle is a large and complex device that requires all of your focus to handle safely. Any one of these three distractions can be enough to send you off the road or into another car.

What causes distracted driving?

The top causes of distracted driving are:

  • Eating – 52%
  • Texting – 23.6%
  • Taking photos – 11.7%
  • Applying makeup – 6.5%

Other causes include having kids in the back seat, taking phone calls, petting an animal, and even drinking and driving. Do you do any of these actions while you are driving? If so, you may want to plan a way to do them before or after driving.

Why is distracted driving such a problem?

Over 3,000 people die each year because of distracted driving. Distracted driving injures over 400,000 people each year. You neither want to be one of these numbers nor the cause of one of these accidents.

If you are harmed in an accident, a lawyer who deals with car accidents may help you navigate the law to its fairest result for you. Remember to keep yourself and others safe.