Distracted driving is one of the top causes of accidents in the United States. We’re all guilty of it – fiddling with the radio, texting, eating, or just plain daydreaming. But, not all distractions are created equal when it comes to causing accidents.
In this article, we’ll break down the different types of distracted driving so you can see which one is most likely to cause a traffic accident, according to our experienced Cincinnati car crash lawyers.
1. Phone Use
Using a cell phone in any way–talking, texting, browsing social media–is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. Studies show that phone use while driving impairs you as much as driving drunk. Never use your phone while operating a vehicle. Turn it off or put it out of sight and reach. No call, text message, or social media update is worth risking lives over.
Staying undistracted while driving requires conscious effort and discipline. Make a plan before you start driving to avoid distractions, let calls go to voicemail, and pull over if you need to do something else. Your life and the lives of everyone else on the road depend on your full attention. Keep your mind on the road–everything else can wait.
2. Daydreaming
It’s easy to zone out and become distracted by your thoughts while driving on long, monotonous roads. Try to avoid driving when you’re overly stressed or anxious, and take breaks when you feel your mind wandering. Stay engaged by scanning the road and your mirrors frequently.
The key to minimizing visual distractions is developing awareness of what specifically pulls your attention away from the road. Once you recognize these habits, you can make a conscious effort to avoid them and keep your eyes where they belong—on the road ahead. Staying focused and alert while driving could save your life.
3. Using Electronic Devices
Using any electronic devices while driving, including GPS, dashboard controls, and entertainment systems, can easily distract you from the road. Even simple tasks like adjusting the radio or air conditioning can take your eyes off the road for crucial seconds.
Try to limit your use of vehicle controls while driving to only the most essential functions. The less you have to look away from the road, the safer you’ll be. Any distractions, even for just a few seconds, drastically increase your risk of crashing.
4. Grooming
Activities like applying makeup, brushing hair, shaving or brushing teeth while driving are major sources of distracted driving. Grooming requires taking your eyes off the road for extended periods, greatly increasing your risk of crashing.
Try to groom yourself before you leave or wait until you arrive at your destination. If you need to fix your hair or makeup while driving, pull over to a safe location first. Avoid applying cosmetics, lotions or fragrances while behind the wheel.
5. Multitasking
Do you find yourself multi-tasking while driving, like eating, chatting on the phone, or interacting with passengers? Any activity that diverts your eyes or mind from the road is dangerous. Even just glancing away from the road for a few seconds can lead to missing critical events and losing control of your vehicle.
Texting while driving is especially risky, as it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention—all of which should remain focused on driving. Wait to respond to calls, texts, and emails until you’ve safely reached your destination.
6. Lack of Experience
New or inexperienced drivers are more prone to cognitive distractions simply due to the increased mental workload required to drive. Every task involved in driving, from steering and braking to observing traffic and following signs, demands your full attention. With practice, these skills will become more automatic, but until then, new drivers need to be extra vigilant to avoid distracted driving.
Contact a Cincinnati Car Crash Lawyer for Help With Your Distracted Driving Claim
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle collision where distracted driving was involved, the knowledgeable legal team at Ohio Car Accident Lawyers is here to help. Our experienced attorneys have helped numerous clients throughout Ohio recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Don’t delay – call us today at (844) 853-7373 for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case!
