What Are the 4 Types of Distractions While Driving?

Distracted driving is a major hazard on the roads around Dallas. Distracted drivers cause many accidents each year. There are several major distractions faced by drivers. What are the four types of distractions while driving in Dallas? Drivers may face:

Visual distractions
Auditory distractions
Manual distractions
Cognitive distractions

If you were in an accident because of a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation. You can call (469) 998-4069 to speak with an experienced lawyer today for free.

Let’s review each of these distractions in-depth right now.

Visual Distractions for Drivers in Dallas

A visual distraction causes a driver to take their eyes off of the road. Drivers may look away from the road for many reasons. Some drivers look away because:

They want to change their radio station.
There is a loose item in the car and they want to grab it.
They are looking at something distracting, like a street sign.

Motor vehicles move very quickly when you are driving. Cars cover a lot of distance in a short amount of time while drivers are looking away. Drivers who are not watching where they are going could run into other vehicles or even run off of the road.

Auditory Distractions for Drivers in Dallas

Drivers in Dallas may also face auditory distractions. Auditory distractions are related to sounds. Drivers could be distracted by sounds if they have passengers with them who are talking loudly. Loud music could also be an auditory distraction.

Loud noises may also come from outside of a vehicle. Drivers could be distracted by loud noises in a work zone, for example. Drivers often look to see what is causing a loud noise. This could cause them to take their attention off the road.

Manual Distractions for Drivers in Dallas

Manual distractions cause a driver to remove their hands from the wheel of a vehicle. Manual distractions come in many forms. A driver could face a manual distraction if:

Something falls off the passenger seat and they try to grab it.
They reach out to shove someone else in the vehicle.
They reach across to adjust the radio station.
They want to put a CD into their car stereo to listen to.

Any of these distractions may cause a driver to let go of the wheel. Drivers who are not holding onto the wheel could accidentally swerve across a lane of traffic. They may lose control of their vehicle if the road conditions are poor.

Cognitive Distractions for Drivers in Dallas

Drivers experience cognitive distractions if something makes them take their mind off of the road. Drivers may daydream or be distracted by thoughts about what they need to do. Drivers may also get in an argument or a discussion that takes their thoughts off of driving.

Cognitive distractions may have internal origins. Drivers could also be distracted by something they heard or saw, which could catch their attention.

Texting Causes Multiple Types of Distraction

You may notice that multiple distractions could occur at once for Dallas drivers. They could experience all four distractions at once, in some cases. Texting while driving is notorious for causing multiple distractions. Drivers who respond to a text may:

Look away from the road
Remove their hands from the wheel
Stop thinking about driving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that drivers lose focus for five seconds when they text. This applies if a driver sends a text or reads a text. Five seconds is long enough to cross a football field if a driver is going 55 miles per hour. Texting while driving causes many accidents every year in Dallas. It is against the law due to the hazards it poses.

Get Help if You Were Struck by a Distracted Driver

You could get compensation for your losses if you were struck by a distracted driver in Texas. A lawyer could work to show that a driver was distracted at the time of the accident. Your lawyer could check the cellphone records of the other driver to see if they were texting and driving, for example.

A lawyer could help you settle your car accident claim out of court. You could also file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident.

Speak to a Lawyer About the Four Kinds of Distracted Driving

There are four kinds of distractions faced by drivers. Drivers may experience visual, auditory, manual, or cognitive distraction. You could get help if you were hit by a distracted driver. Find out how by contacting a Dallas car accident lawyer. Reach out to us today to get a free consultation.

Reach us easily by calling (469) 998-4069. You may also reach out to us through our online contact form.