When you get into the car to drive, you are likely vigilant about following the rules of the road and driving safely. But some drivers are not as careful and many engage in distracted driving activities that endanger their safety and the safety of other drivers.
In the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nine people die in car accidents related to distracted driving every day. While texting and driving is a common type of distracted driving, it is not the only type of distraction that endangers others on the road.
The three types of distracted driving
Distracted driving activities fall into three main categories: manual distraction, visual distraction and cognitive distraction. Manual distraction occurs when you take your hands off of the steering wheel, visual distraction happens when you take your eyes off of the road and cognitive distraction occurs when you stop focusing solely on driving.
Why texting and driving is so dangerous
Any activity that takes your full attention away from driving when your vehicle is in motion is dangerous to yourself and other drivers. However, texting and driving is one of the most dangerous types of driver distraction because it combines manual, cognitive and visual distraction and takes your focus, hands and eyes away from driving a vehicle.
If you get into a car accident with a distracted driver, you may incur injuries that make it difficult to care for yourself, go back to work and participate in activities you enjoy. As you engage in the recovery process, take steps to protect your legal and financial interests.