Getting distracted has become more and more of a problem as our lives become busier. We are constantly bombarded with notifications, phone calls and texts. It’s no wonder that motor vehicle accidents have increased significantly in recent years. There are three primary types of accidents that can happen in the blink of an eye.
Visual
This is when you take your eyes off the road. It can be anything, from looking at a text message to rubbernecking at an accident. On top of that, fiddling with things in the car can also be a visual distraction. If you take your eyes off the road for even a second, you can miss something critical, like a stop sign or another car, leading to a serious motor vehicle accident.
Manual
Manual distractions are when you take your hands off the steering wheel. This can involve things like eating and drinking and fiddling with the radio or using a GPS system. Even something as simple as adjusting your seat can be a manual distraction. If your hands aren’t on the wheel, you’re not in control of the car and an accident and serious injuries can occur in the blink of an eye.
Cognitive
Cognitive distractions are when you take your mind off the task of driving. This can be anything, from daydreaming to being preoccupied with something else on your mind. Sometimes, even conversations with passengers can be a cognitive distraction. When you’re in a cognitively distracted state, you’re not fully focused on the task of driving and an accident can happen in the blink of an eye.
The best way to avoid these distractions is to be aware of them. If you’re feeling tired, pull over and take a break. If you’re getting hungry, stop and eat before you get back on the road. And, if you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location first. By being aware of the different types of distracted driving, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.