What Are the 4 Types of Distractions When Driving?

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. Every year, thousands of lives are lost, and countless others are seriously injured because of distractions behind the wheel. Awareness of these driving distractions can help motorists become more conscious of their behavior on the road and reduce accidents. 

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Visual Distractions

Among the most common types of distractions while driving are visual distractions. A visual distraction occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road. Safe driving requires constant monitoring of traffic, road conditions, signals, and pedestrians. Even a momentary glance away from the road can lead to a serious accident. Visual distractions are particularly dangerous because drivers may not notice hazards in time to react.

Common Causes of Visual Distractions

• Texting while driving: Cell phone use, such as texting, takes the driver’s eyes off the road for several seconds. According to the NHTSA, sending or reading a text message can take a driver’s eyes off the road for about 5 seconds—enough time to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph.
• Looking at a GPS or navigation system: Many drivers use GPS devices or apps to navigate, but looking down at the screen to follow directions can divert attention from the road.
• Rubbernecking: Slowing down to look at accidents, roadside incidents, or unusual objects can take a driver’s attention away from the road ahead.
• Adjusting in-car systems: Changing the radio station, adjusting climate controls, or managing other vehicle settings can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road.

Example:

A driver looking down to read a text message for five seconds on the highway is essentially driving blind for that period. If traffic suddenly slows, they might not have enough time to brake, leading to a potentially serious motor vehicle crash.

Manual Distractions

Manual distractions occur when a driver takes one or both hands off the steering wheel. Having control of the wheel is essential for maintaining proper vehicle control, and even brief manual distractions can lead to dangerous situations. Manual distractions often go hand in hand with visual distractions, amplifying the risk of an accident.

Common Causes of Manual Distractions

• Eating or drinking: Consuming food or beverages requires drivers to take at least one hand off the wheel. If something spills, the driver may instinctively reach to clean it up, further increasing the risk of losing control.
• Using a smartphone: Holding a phone to text, dial a number, or scroll through social media takes the driver’s hands off the wheel. While hands-free devices are often recommended, even holding a phone for a brief moment can lead to dangerous distractions.
• Grooming: Distracted drivers who attempt to put on makeup, shave, or comb their hair while driving engage in dangerous manual distractions. These actions reduce the driver’s ability to steer and focus on driving.
• Reaching for objects: Whether it’s grabbing something from the back seat, adjusting items in the passenger seat, or picking up a dropped item, reaching for objects inside the motor vehicle can cause a driver to lose control.

Example:

A driver reaching for a cup of coffee that has tipped over may momentarily lose control of the vehicle, veering into another lane or rear-ending the car in front of them.

Cognitive Distractions

Cognitive distractions rank among the major distracted driving types that occur when a motorist’s mind is not focused on driving. Even if your hands are on the wheel and your eyes are on the road, you may be mentally distracted by thoughts or emotions. Cognitive distraction can cause motor vehicle crashes because it may delay the driver’s reaction time, make it harder to notice hazards, and impair decision-making.

Common Causes of Cognitive Distractions

• Daydreaming or zoning out: Long drives or monotonous routes can cause drivers to lose focus and mentally drift away from the task of driving.
• Talking to passengers: Engaging in deep conversations with passengers can distract the driver, especially if the topic is emotionally charged or complex.
• Stress, anxiety, or strong emotions: Personal problems, work stress, and road rage can take a driver’s focus off the road, even if their eyes and hands are where they should be.
• Fatigue or drowsiness: Tiredness affects cognitive functions, leading to impaired judgment and slower reaction times.

Example:

A driver stressed about an upcoming work deadline may be mentally preoccupied, causing them to miss a red light or fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the street.

Auditory Distractions

Auditory distractions are among the major types of distracted driving, which occurs when a driver is distracted by sounds. These sounds can be external, like emergency sirens or honking horns, or internal, such as loud music or notifications from a smartphone. While auditory distractions may seem less dangerous than visual or manual distractions, they can still take a driver’s attention away from the road, especially if the sounds are unexpected or require a response.

Common Causes of Auditory Distractions

• Listening to loud music: Loud music, especially when combined with singing along, can divert the attention of the distracted driver.
• Phone notifications: Hearing a text message alert or phone call ring can cause the driver to glance at their phone or become mentally distracted by the desire to check the notification.
• Conversations with passengers: Engaging in conversations with passengers, especially if they are loud or require a lot of focus, can cause driver distraction.
• External noises: Construction sounds, emergency vehicles, or car alarms can grab the driver’s attention and cause them to focus on something other than driving.

Example:

A driver engrossed in a loud phone conversation may not hear an ambulance approaching behind them, delaying their ability to move aside and potentially causing a collision.

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In the aftermath of a car accident, you need a legal team that is determined to hold the negligent parties liable. At Zobel Legal Group, our Colorado auto accident attorneys are relentless in pursuing the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Led by Wade Zobel, we provide personalized representation, ensuring no detail is overlooked. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 720-434-6674 or contact us online.