When you think of distracted driving, you’re probably thinking of someone using their cellphone. There are two reasons for this. The first is simply that distracted driving often does involve smartphones, and so it’s simply an example that people see play out frequently.
But cellphone use qualifies as distracted driving on another level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified three specific types of distracted driving that happen. When someone uses a phone in the car, all three can happen at once. This makes it one of the most dangerous types of distraction.
What are the three types?
To start with, it’s important to understand that the three main categories for distracted driving include the following:
- Manual distractions
- Visual distractions
- Cognitive distractions
Take a look at how a cellphone satisfies all of these requirements. It is a manual distraction because the phone has to be taken out of a pocket and even held in one hand while the person is driving. It’s a visual distraction because that person has to look down at the screen while they use social media or read a text message. It’s also a cognitive distraction because they are now thinking more about their phone use than they are about the road.
As a result, cellphone use in the car is very likely to cause an accident that leads to serious injuries. It is prohibited, but it still happens. Those who have been injured due to the negligence of other drivers need to know how to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other costs.