Types Of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a hot-button issue and states, including Ohio, are enacting a variety of laws to combat the practice. Those caught texting and driving face high penalties and the movement has morphed into “hands-free” driving laws.
While cellphones have been the focus of these laws, there are actually three types of distracted driving to consider.
Cognitive Distracted Driving
Devices are really just a physical item used by drivers who are not paying full attention to the road. But distraction, by its very definition, is more about mental focus than making calls or texting. When a driver allows their concentration to lapse in favor of conversation, daydreaming, drug use, drunk driving or becoming preoccupied with rambunctious children while driving, they are distracted. It’s easy to blame an electronic device, but cognitive distracted driver is far more complicated. It’s about mental focus.
Visual Distracted Driving
One of the basic rules of driving is to “keep your eyes on the road.” Drivers have been breaking this one long before the invention of cellular phones. This type of distracted driving occurs any time a person takes their eyes off the process of negotiating streets, highways, traffic and pedestrians. The more common incidents of visual distracted driving occur from fiddling with GPS devices and in-car entertainment systems.
Manual Distracted Driving
In driver training, people are all taught to keep their hands on the wheel a 10 and 2 o’clock. Drinking coffee, nibbling on snacks, texting, smoking or reaching for an item on the floor or passenger’s seat are all instances when someone’s hands are off the wheel. If someone is not fully engaged in physical driving, they are distracted.
For More Information
If you or a loved one have been injured by a distracted driver, call our experienced personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Arnold S. Levine, L.P.A., and get the full, fair compensation you deserve. Whether you have suffered an accident injury in Cincinnati or are contacting us about a case in Northern Kentucky, our accident injury lawyers are here to help.
Reach us online or at 513-823-3257 to arrange a free consultation.