Distraction plays a role in many accidents. Driving is a complicated activity, requiring motorists to remain focused on what is happening around them while keeping both hands on the steering wheel. Common driving distractions divert attention and can manually impair a motorist. If you were injured in a distracted driving accident, call Michael J. Lichner. A Joliet car accident lawyer can review whether the driver who struck you was distracted or otherwise liable for the crash. Attorney Lichner can then get to work handling your claim for compensation.
What Are the Most Common Driving Distractions?
Distractions while driving cause numerous impairments, including visual and manual impairment. Motorists who are distracted will not see another vehicle in the lane or a pedestrian attempting to cross the street. Even if they did, their hands might not both be on the wheel, leading to unavoidable wrecks.
Here are seven types of driving distractions.
- Smart Phones
Smartphones are easily one of the most common sources of distracted driving. Even old flip phones were a distraction, but today’s phones can perform dozens of tasks, which makes them even more tempting for drivers to pick up as they cruise down the street.
Smartphones distract drivers in the following ways:
- Phone calls. Talking to someone on the phone not only removes a hand from the wheel but also diverts the driver’s attention. Focused on the conversation, they might not process that a car has stopped in front of them.
- Texting. Sending a text is an even worse distraction. Motorists looking down at a tiny screen will not see anyone around them, and using two thumbs to tap out a message leads to manual impairment.
- Apps. Drivers use all sorts of apps, such as those involved with ordering food or even social media.
- Video. Some drivers take video while they are out on the road, perhaps even recording something for TikTok or Instagram.
- Food and Drink
Eating on the road is a classic example of multitasking. Most drivers think nothing of drinking a coffee or eating a quick burger while they race to their next destination. But there are risks involved:
- Spills. A driver can spill hot coffee or soup on their lap, which will cause them to look down or even hit the brakes. Most people naturally look down when they spill something or even reach for a paper napkin in the glove compartment.
- Visual distraction. A motorist might look down to locate the next chicken finger or French fry and neglect to see the cars around them.
- Manual distraction. Cups of soup are cumbersome and take both hands off the wheel. Even one hand off to eat a burger or drink a coffee makes it harder for a driver to take defensive action.
There is really no reason to eat and drive. Most people can consume a meal in minutes, so pull off the road or eat in the parking lot before starting up the car.
- Vehicle Controls
The dashboard or control screen is a common distraction while driving. Motorists can be focused on:
- Climate controls. Adjusting the heat or air conditioning takes a person’s eyes off the road for a split second.
- Volume control. Cranking up the music or turning down the volume can also divert a person’s attention briefly.
- GPS devices. Someone who is traveling to a new location might be focused on GPS navigation and not look out the window.
- Check engine light. When the dreaded check engine light comes on, many drivers immediately look down. They might also start analyzing the other controls to see if they can identify the reason the light came on. Worrying about the check engine light is a source of distraction.
- Pets
Animals can be a source of distraction while driving, especially when they are not properly restrained. A dog or cat could suddenly spring into the front seat and startle a motorist, who could jerk the wheel in response. Other pets make a lot of noise. As the driver looks in the rearview mirror, they become distracted.
- Passengers
Human passengers can also cause a distracted driving accident. The following can divert a driver’s attention:
- Crying children. A baby in the backseat, even if in a booster seat, is a source of distraction. Parents often look in the rearview mirror to check on the child, especially when one is upset.
- Arguments. An argument between adults is an obvious source of distraction. Even worse, a driver might become enraged.
- Engrossing conversations. Sometimes, a pleasant but engrossing conversation is as much of a distraction as a fight.
Obviously, perfect safety does not require that we only ride by ourselves. Nonetheless, drivers must be vigilant not to let passengers take up too much of their attention.
- Daydreaming
Often, nothing external diverts a driver’s attention. Instead, they lose concentration when they give in to daydreaming about:
- Vacations
- Retirement
- Romantic interests
- Promotions
The risk of daydreaming increases when the ride is particularly monotonous or familiar, such as when driving for six hours on a flat highway or when heading into work for the thousandth time.
- External Events or Distractions
When a driver isn’t zoning out, they might become too interested in what is happening outside the vehicle:
- Advertisements. Perhaps a store is advertising a sale, and the driver reads the advertisement while driving.
- Accidents. Motorists love to stare at cars pulled to the side of the road, especially if they have been involved in a collision.
- New construction. If a new building is going up, a driver might spend too much time checking it out.
- Road repairs. Motorists can focus on the dump truck pulling into a construction zone and not on the car braking in front of them.
We Hold Distracted Drivers Accountable for Wrecks
If you were hurt in a distracted driving accident, call Michael J. Lichner. Our firm has the resources victims need to seek fair compensation as part of a settlement. We will be by your side for the entire process and ensure all boxes are checked. Contact us for a free consultation.