06 Mar Understanding the Different Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving encompasses any behavior that takes your attention away from the road. A common misconception about distracted driving is that some distractions are less dangerous than others. For example, many people will eat while driving, because they can keep their eyes on the road while eating. However, their hands are occupied elsewhere, so they can’t easily react to sudden traffic changes.
Potential distractions in the car are everywhere, and there are different ways that these distractions can take your attention away from where it should be.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions are those that take your hands away from the wheel of the vehicle. That may mean reaching over to adjust the radio, eating, taking a drink, or applying makeup. When your hands are off the wheel, you may have a harder time controlling your vehicle, and you may be more likely to sustain a collision if a sudden hazard appears on the road.
Visual Distractions
A visual distraction is something that takes your eyes off the road. This type of distracted driving is particularly dangerous, because you may cover a long stretch of road while looking away for just a few seconds. Cell phones are a common source of visual distractions, but your eyes might also wander to other passengers in the vehicle (especially if you’re driving with kids), nearby scenery, and maps or GPS systems.
Cognitive Distractions
Distracted driving involving cognitive distractions can be trickier to spot. Sometimes, you may have your hands on the wheel and eyes forward, but your mind has wandered into a daydream. This is likely to occur if you’re fatigued or stressed. Conversations on your cell phone or with other passengers can also take your train of thought away from what’s happening on the road.
Distracted driving can affect drivers of all ages, and it often ends with collisions on the road. If you’ve recently been in a car accident, don’t wait to call National Auto Collision Centers at our Grand Road location. Dial (520) 623-4959.