Not surprisingly, virtually anything that diverts a driver’s attention off the task at hand can take a dire toll on one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, distracted driving continues to play a significant role in many car accidents, despite the inherent risks involved. There are various types of actions that could act as sources of inattention and avoiding dangerous behaviors may prove integral to helping individuals in New York reach their destinations safely.
Types of distracted driving
Studies indicate that types of distracted driving typically fall under three categories, each of which can disrupt one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
- Visual distractions. These include anything that forces drivers to take their eyes off the road. Reaching for an item in the passenger seat, looking over to read a sign or billboard, and reading or writing a text message while behind the wheel are common examples of visual distractions.
- Manual distractions. These distraction involve actions that force drivers to take their hands off the wheel, and this may include anything from changing the radio station to punching an address into a GPS.
- Cognitive distractions. These distractions affect the driver’s ability to concentrate. The distraction involve things such as carrying on a phone conversation or interacting with passengers, which are examples of behaviors that might affect one’s ability to focus on driving.
Some types of actions may fall under all three categories of distracted driving and avoiding such behaviors may prove essential to promoting safety.
Distracted driving collisions
Car accidents involving distracted drivers can have disastrous results and even those who choose to remain focused on the task at hand may be at risk if others do not take the same approach to safety. Those who suffer serious injuries due to the reckless decisions of another driver may have questions about their available legal avenues and they could choose to retain the services of an attorney for advice in preparing to protect their interests. An attorney in New York can examine the situation a client is facing and help prepare to pursue the restitution entitled through a personal injury claim.