Distractions of all kinds are particularly dangerous when they affect a driver’s ability to focus on the task at hand. A driver should always focus on the road and safe driving, as even a moment of distraction can have devastating consequences.
Distracted driving includes any activity that takes a driver’s attention for any amount of time. While distraction most often relates to cell phone use, various other things could result in distracted, and therefore dangerous, driving. Individuals who make the choice to participate in distracting activities while operating a vehicle can be financially liable for any damages caused by this decision.
The three main types of distraction
Distraction is a prevalent problem on both Louisiana roads and highways and across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three main types of distraction, and all of them are dangerous. These include:
- Visual distractions: This includes anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road. From car radios, phones, billboards and more, there are many different types of visual distractions.
- Manual distractions: Manual distraction includes taking one or both hands off the wheel for any reason. This may mean adjusting a radio, reaching for something, eating or texting.
- Cognitive distractions: Cognitive distractions include anything that takes a driver’s mental focus. A driver’s mind can be completely distracted and unfocused by various things, even with both hands on the wheel.
There is a wide range of distractions, but they are all avoidable, preventable and a threat to the health and safety of every driver and passenger on the road. If you believe that your car accident and injuries were the result of distracted driving, you would be wise to take quick action to protect your interests. You may have valid grounds to seek financial compensation.
Your rights as a victim
Distracted driving may seem like a harmless action, but in reality, it can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. Distracted drivers can cause great harm to innocent individuals, including you, and they may be financially liable for the injuries you suffered as a result of this type of negligent behavior.
As a victim of distracted driving, you have rights. You may have grounds to seek compensation through a civil claim, but this is not a process you must walk through alone. After an accident, you have no time to lose in learning about your options and taking the appropriate legal steps.