Driving isn’t something that should be done while multitasking because any distractions when driving can lead to fatal or catastrophic crashes. A driver who’s distracted can’t focus on reacting to what’s going on around their vehicle.
One thing that many drivers don’t realize is that many distractions are possible for someone driving. These can be as intensive as checking messages on a cellphone or as seemingly innocent as looking at a billboard.
Types of distractions
There are three types of distractions that drivers can face – visual, cognitive and manual. A visual distraction takes the driver’s eyes off the road. A cognitive distraction affects the driver’s thought process. A manual distraction requires the driver to take their hands off the steering wheel. While each of those distraction types is independent, some activities encompass more than one.
Length of distraction
Some drivers think that a short distraction isn’t a big deal, but even a distraction that lasts mere seconds can be catastrophic. Vehicles moving at 55 miles per hour go the length of a football field in just five seconds. That’s the amount of time it takes to check a text message, and that’s a long distance for a wreck to occur because the vehicle is essentially without a driver during that time.
Victims of distracted driving crashes often have a long road ahead of them. The injuries they face can be considerable and costly. They may choose to seek compensation for the financial damages of the crash, but this has strict time limits. Working with a legal representative who can assist with getting this case together is beneficial.