To many people, distracted driving is synonymous with digital technology. People text or try to record videos for social media while operating motor vehicles. They can then cause devastating collisions because they don’t notice important details in traffic.
Digital distraction is a major safety concern in traffic. Drivers handling their phones or even built-in screen systems in their vehicles can cause crashes. However, it is far from the only source of distraction that could theoretically cause preventable wrecks.
Distraction while driving is actually far more common than many people realize. What do motorists need to know broadly about distraction?
Many behaviors can lead to distraction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides interesting insight into the phenomenon of distracted driving. The CDC asserts that distracted driving involves any activity that forces someone to take their hands off of the wheel, their eyes off of the road or their minds off of driving.
Mobile technology is particularly dangerous because it involves all three of these forms of distraction at the same time in many cases. There are many other sources of distraction that can also increase the risk of a wreck.
A cheeseburger consumed on the way to work, a conversation with a passenger or even the impulse to pop a pimple while stopped at a red light could constitute distracted driving. So could daydreaming while trapped in rush hour traffic.
Those involved in distracted driving collisions sometimes need support as they try to pursue justice, and that’s okay. Filing insurance claims or even personal injury lawsuits can help people hold distracted drivers accountable for the practical consequences of their dangerous behavior.