Driving in New York can be tough, especially when the roads are congested with traffic, pedestrians, and construction. When speeds slow down and even come to a stop, some drivers decide to use their time to focus on tasks that are not driving. This can be a dangerous practice for any driver, regardless of whether they are stopped or moving, because it can prevent them from seeing what is happening on the road around them.
There are many kinds of driving distractions, and this post will discuss some of them. No part of this post should be read as legal advice, and all victims of distracted driving accidents can seek counsel and representation from trusted New York-based personal injury attorneys.
Driving distractions: Visual, manual, and cognitive
Many of the distractions that drivers succumb to while operating their vehicles are visual. That means that the distractions take drivers’ eyes off the roads and focus their vision on other tasks or items. One common visual distraction that is regulated throughout the country is cell phone use. Cell phones force drivers to look at their screens to read messages, causing drivers to become distracted.
Cell phones are also manual distractions. Manual distractions force drivers to take their hands off the wheels of their cars. Any activity that requires manipulation with one’s hands may be classified as a manual distraction.
A final category of distractions that can affect drivers is cognitive distraction. A cognitive distraction is one that takes a driver’s mind off the road, such as daydreaming. Cognitive distractions can be just as dangerous as visual and manual distractions when they force drivers to forget their driving responsibilities.
What to do after a driving distraction accident
Victims of distracted driving accidents have rights and protections under the law. After they have been treated for their accident-related injuries, they can choose to pursue litigation with the help of personal injury lawyers. Different claims based on negligence and other causes of action may help them form the grounds for the recovery of their accident-related losses. These losses, also known as damages, can help compensate victims and get them back on their feet. Personal injury lawyers can explain their options to victims during their legal consultations.