Most people know that distracted driving can cause serious accidents and experienced drivers who are comfortable behind the wheel may be just as likely to cause them as new drivers. Whether the driver is texting, reading, applying makeup or eating, the distraction can have a devastating impact on the person who is hit.

Types of distracted driving

There are three main types of distracted driving. These are called manual, visual and cognitive.

Manual distractions cause the driver to take both hands off the wheel. This may include eating or drinking, smoking, attending to a child, adjusting the radio or car’s touchscreen or looking through a bag or the glovebox for an item.

Visual distractions cause the driver to take his or her eyes off the road and include watching the scenery, adjusting the car temperature or looking for a cell phone. Cognitive distractions cause the driver’s mind to focus away from driving. This may include talking to another person in the car or on the phone, daydreaming or when the driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Injuries

Recent estimates indicate that thousands of people are injured each year because of distracted drivers. These accidents affect not only other drivers on the road, but also pedestrians who are hit while walking or riding a bicycle. Their injuries can range from relatively minor cuts, scrapes and bruises to broken bones, fractures and in some serious cases, traumatic injuries.

Depending on the extent of their injuries, the victim may have expensive medical bills and lost wages while he or she heals. If a person has been injured in a distracted driving accident, help is available to file a claim for compensation.

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