Distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of car accidents. When you take your attention away from the road, even for a few seconds, the risk of crashing increases. Distractions come in many forms, and each one can make driving more dangerous.
Types of distracted driving
There are three main types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distractions take your eyes off the road, like checking a text message. Manual distractions make you take your hands off the wheel, like eating or adjusting the radio. Cognitive distractions take your mind off driving, like daydreaming or talking to passengers. Any of these can lead to an accident.
How distractions impact reaction time
A driver needs to react quickly to avoid sudden dangers. If you’re distracted, you may not notice a car stopping in front of you or a pedestrian crossing the street. Even a brief distraction can add critical seconds to your reaction time. This delay can mean the difference between stopping in time or causing a collision.
Common causes of distracted driving
Phones are one of the biggest distractions. Texting, calling, or using apps take your attention away from driving. Other distractions include eating, adjusting controls, talking to passengers, and looking at something outside the car. Even hands-free devices can still take your focus away from the road.
Preventing distracted driving
You can reduce distractions by putting your phone away, setting your GPS before driving, and keeping both hands on the wheel. If something needs your attention, it’s safer to pull over. Staying focused on the road helps protect you and others from accidents caused by distractions.