It is true that texting and driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. Most states have now enacted laws to make this illegal, so drivers should theoretically never be on their phones while they are behind the wheel. Of course, it still does happen, even with these laws in place.
But beyond that, it is crucial for drivers to realize that they can be distracted by much more than just texting. Even someone who turns their phone off when they get in the car could be distracted, and that distraction could lead to a serious accident resulting in severe injuries.
What are some other examples?
There are many examples, as distraction can be visual, manual or cognitive, and it generally just refers to anything that takes someone’s attention away from the task of driving the vehicle. Some common examples include:
- Eating or drinking in the car
- Using a GPS or trying to read a map
- Listening to the radio or singing along with music
- Talking to passengers or children in the vehicle
- Trying to do personal grooming on the way to work
- Adjusting in-car systems or devices, such as the car’s mirrors or the position of the seats
- Reading billboards and street signs
- Gawking at previous accidents, often referred to as rubbernecking
Some people are simply more prone to distraction than others, especially if they struggle with having a short attention span. But distraction is something that can impact all drivers, so there is always an accident risk. If you get injured in a crash that someone else caused, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and more.
