Being in a car accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience, and oftentimes they are caused by drivers who are distracted. In fact, according to the CDC, every day about eight people in the United States are killed in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver and in 2018 alone an estimated 400,000 people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Distraction can come in a few different forms, but the main types are visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distraction comes when you are looking elsewhere and take your eyes off the road, manual distraction is when you take your hands off the wheel, and cognitive is when your mind wanders and you’re no longer paying attention. While there are many things that can distract someone who is driving, there are a few top causes of distraction to pay close attention to.

Using a cell phone

A staggering one out of every four car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving which makes using a cell phone the top distraction for drivers by far. We are programmed to look quickly at every notification and doing so while driving takes away our ability to focus on driving safely. Using your cell phone as a GPS is also another way a cell phone can be a dangerous distraction. If you rely on your cell phone as a means of getting directions, you may want to have it mounted somewhere so it is hands free.

Other passengers

It’s easy to get distracted by other passengers in the car. Whether you’re talking and laughing with your friend in the front seat or turning around to pay attention to your kids in the backseat, getting distracted by others in the car is very common and can be dangerous.

Actively eating or drinking

Let’s face it, in America, we are always on the go and that sometimes includes needing to eat on the run. Quick meals in our cars can be convenient but can also limit our ability to be alert and remain fully focused on driving.

Using one of the cars devices like the radio and air conditioning

Having a car with all the bells and whistles and fancy upgrades can be a top selling point at the dealership, but they can also be distracting when you’re driving down the road. Take some time while you’re parked to locate all the devices you need and play around with them so you’re not trying to figure out how to change the radio station or crank up the AC while on the highway.

Zoning out

Daydreaming or zoning out happens all the time, especially after long days, when we’re feeling stressed, or when we are simply feeling bored. While this may not be a huge deal when you’re sitting at home on your couch, doing so behind the wheel of a car can be a problem as it takes your attention off the road and distracts you from being an alert driver.

Personal Injury Lawyer in New York

Victims of car accidents can be left with a lifetime of hardship due to life changing injuries and when these accidents occur because of another driver’s negligence, victims have the right to be fully compensated for the losses they suffer as a result. Mark T. Freeley, The North Shore Injury Lawyer, is passionate about helping clients every step of the way and has decades of experience in representing clients who were victims in car accidents. Give him a call at 631-495-9435 to discuss your auto accident and take advantage of a free consultation where you can have your questions answered and learn more about your legal options.