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Three types of distractions that cause collisions

On Behalf of | Oct 15, 2024 | Car accidents

Car accidents happen in the blink of an eye. Therefore, a momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic consequences. As a responsible driver, it is essential to understand the dangers of driving distractions. This way, you can avoid collisions and contribute to keeping a safer environment for other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

1.    Visual distractions

Visual distractions happen when you take your eyes off the road, such as checking your phone, glancing at the GPS or looking at the beautiful scenery outside your car. Additionally, if you have children, looking at them or adjusting the music for them can cause a distraction.

Even a quick glance away can be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distractions occur three seconds before a crash. When you take your eyes off the road, you reduce your awareness of the driving environment and increase your risk of a collision.

2.    Mental distractions

Mental distractions, also called cognitive distractions, happen when your mind is not focused on driving. These can include daydreaming, being upset or stressed and having an intense conversation with another passenger or on your phone. These distractions can be just as dangerous as visual ones. When your mind is elsewhere, you might not notice essential things like traffic signals or other drivers’ actions.

Imagine you are driving while having an intense discussion. Your mind is preoccupied with the conversation, making you less aware of your surroundings. This divided attention can lead to slower reaction times and poor decision-making, increasing the likelihood of a collision.

3.    Manual distractions

Manual distractions occur when you take your hands off the steering wheel. This could be to reach for something, eat, or adjust vehicle controls. Any activity that requires one or both hands to leave the steering wheel is a manual distraction, such as texting or scrolling on your phone and reaching for items.

These distractions are particularly risky because they often combine with visual and mental distractions. For instance, when you reach for your phone, you are likely taking your eyes off the road and thinking about what you’ll say or type. The same happens when you reach for an item, including food.

If you need to take your hands off the steering wheel, it is best to pull over first. Additionally, if you are traveling with someone, you can ask the passenger for help. For example, if your passenger oversees the music, you can keep both hands on the wheel.

Understanding and mitigating driver distractions is crucial for road safety. Visual, mental, and manual distractions each pose significant risks. By recognizing these dangers, you can minimize distractions and focus on driving. Simple actions like setting up your GPS before driving, pulling over to make a call, or eating before you hit the road can make a substantial difference.

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