Many people might argue that completely avoiding distractions while behind the wheel is nearly impossible. And yet, driving is an all-encompassing task requiring a driver’s full attention. The slightest lapse in focus can leave room for errors that can quickly escalate into an accident.
An unfortunate reality on the road is that distracted driving claims the lives of many road users each year. When sharing the road with various motorists and pedestrians, drivers should be attentive enough to anticipate changes in their surroundings. However, when a driver is distracted, they might miss these changes and cause an accident that could have otherwise been avoided.
What is distracted driving?
Drivers can easily be distracted when they attempt to multitask while behind the wheel. Distractions can steal a driver’s attention away and compromise the safety of other road users. The three main categories of distractions that can compromise a driver’s focus on the road are:
- Visual distractions that compromise a driver’s perception of their surroundings
- Manual distractions that remove a driver’s hands from the wheel
- Cognitive distractions that divert a driver’s mind from driving
Activities like eating or talking to passengers can fall into one or more of these categories. However, texting while driving uniquely combines all three distraction types, making it the worst form of distracted driving.
When a driver looks at their phone to read or compose a message, their eyes are diverted from the road. This creates visual impairment because the driver’s eyes are occupied with something other than paying attention to their surroundings.
Additionally, typing or swiping on a smartphone requires drivers to use at least one hand. This manual disengagement from the task of driving can significantly reduce a driver’s control over their vehicle. The driver will likely experience a delayed response if there’s a sudden change in traffic flow while they’re disengaged.
Texting can also cognitively overload a driver who is trying to pay attention to the road and their phone at the same time. Even a seemingly brief moment of mentally composing or interpreting a text message can take a driver’s mind off the task of driving.
While every form of distraction while driving can pose a significant risk, texting while driving has been identified as the worst form of distracted driving. This is due to its unique ability to simultaneously engage a driver’s visual, manual and cognitive faculties. Road users who suffer injuries due to a distracted driver’s negligence shouldn’t hesitate to hold them accountable for their reckless actions.