According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three kinds of distractions that a driver can deal with while on the road: visual, manual, or cognitive. All are incredibly dangerous; all can lead to the driver causing a serious accident.

Visual Distractions: When a driver is visually distracted, it means her eyes are not physically on the road. Even looking away for a couple of seconds can cause a serious accident. Common kinds of visual distractions include rubbernecking, looking down at the radio while changing the station, and looking at a GPS device.

Manual Distractions: To be manually distracted, a driver must take one or both hands off the steering wheel. This leaves the driver in a position where she could suddenly lose control over her vehicle. A driver can become visually distracted when she eats, adjusts the radio, or takes off her jacket.

Cognitive Distractions: It isn’t enough to keep both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road. A driver must also be concentrating on driving safely. If a driver is not concentrating properly, then he is cognitively distracted. Forms of cognitive distraction include having a conversation using a hands-free device, talking with passengers, and daydreaming.

While there have been increased efforts to decrease distracted driving, such as the State banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving, these efforts are not perfect. The NHTSA notes that using hands-free devices while driving does not cut down on cognitive or mental distractions because the driver’s brain will still be focused on the conversation. When a driver pays less attention to the road, no matter what they are doing, they increase the chances of causing a serious collision.Those who choose to text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car crash – typically happening 3 seconds after a driver becomes distracted.

Injuries Caused by Distracted Drivers

Any car accident has the potential to devastate the victims. The average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds, and when two sedans collide, the size, weight, and force behind the impact can lead to catastrophic injuries, such as:

  • Broken bones
  • Brain damage
  • Crash injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Lacerations
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage
  • Loss of limb

Recovering from these injuries is no easy task. You’ll have to take time away from work, go to the hospital for surgeries, and visit a physical therapist to try and get back on your feet. However, even with such a long and difficult process, the victims who suffer injuries are the lucky ones.

Countless people lose their lives to distracted drivers every year, leaving behind devastated families. If you have lost a loved one to a distracted driver, you can file a wrongful death claim to hold the at-fault driver responsible and recover compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, and loss of benefits. Filing a successful claim, however, whether it be a personal injury or wrongful death, will require an experienced attorney Roswell who can offer you the support that you need.Contact us now, we’re open to help.