Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous issues facing drivers on the road. There are numerous hazards associated with it, and it stands as one of the most common causes of car accidents throughout the entire country.

Many people don’t even know they’re driving distracted because they often only consider texting and driving to be distracted driving. There are three general types of distracted driving, however, and they’re all dangerous.

Manual Distractions

Manual distractions impact a driver’s ability to keep both of his or her hands on the steering wheel. A lot of drivers only use one hand while driving. However, this can be a distraction because it can impact a driver’s ability to control their vehicle correctly, especially when they lose control.

Visual Distractions

Visual distractions take a driver’s eyes off the road. This can be anything from looking at a passenger or phone to glancing at an accident on the side of the road. Anything that diverts a driver’s eyes from the road can be very dangerous, even if only for a few seconds.

Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive distractions are those that impact the driver’s ability to focus on the task at hand: driving. A cognitive distraction can be something like daydreaming or singing along to a song. The lack of focus can impact reaction time and decision-making abilities, increasing the possibility of a crash.

Returning to the most notorious form of distracted driving, texting is actually all three of forms of distraction types combined into one dangerous action: the driver usually has to remove a hand from the wheel, take his eyes off the road, and take his focus away from driving. Other activities can also combine all three distraction types, such as adjusting the side mirrors while driving.

In any situation where a driver is distracted, they can cause you or other drivers to endure serious injuries or death. Our team at Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook works hard to protect your rights and help you understand what legal options you have to hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.

Our Walnut Creek car accident attorneys are ready to help you if you suffer injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence.

Call our firm today at (925) 275-5592 for a free consultation and we’ll discuss your options.