Driving distractions can be visible or covert

Driving distractions are dangerous. Scranton drivers understand this fact and likely see distracted and hazardous motorists on local roads during the daily commutes. They may notice other drivers with their eyes averted to their cell phones, passengers, or other tangible items.

However, driving distractions are not all visible. In some cases, drivers may be distracted by their thoughts, worries, or concerns. This post will discuss the three types of driving distractions that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified as hazardous to motorists. This post should not be read or relied on as legal advice.

The scope of driving distractions

Many driving distractions come from visible, touchable things like smartphones, food, maps, and grooming tools. These items can be classified as two types of distractions: manual distractions and visual distractions. Manual distractions are distractions that require a driver to use their hands to manipulate. Visual distractions are distractions that take a driver’s eyes off the road they are traveling.

The third type of distraction that can befall a driver is a cognitive distraction. Cognitive distractions happen when a driver’s mental processes take their focus off the road. A driver who is thinking about their job, worried about their family, or planning a meeting or event may lose track of what is happening around them and cause a distracted driving accident, even if they have not technically taken their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road.

What to do about distracted driving accidents

It can be hard to understand what happens after a motor vehicle accident, particularly one caused by distracted driving. Distracted driving accidents are often preventable and their causes are generally the actions of negligent parties. When a victim suffers losses due to a distracted driver, they can protect their rights and seek compensation for their losses. Particular personal injury claims may provide them with financial recompense to get their lives back on track. Their trusted legal representatives can help them with the possible claims.