Different Types of Distracted Driving
With nearly a third of all car accidents caused by reckless driving every year in the United States, one common form of reckless driving that could put innocent lives in jeopardy is distracted driving. When a driver takes his or her eyes off the road to focus on someone or something else, the risk of an accident is significantly higher than when the driver is focusing his or her attention on the road. All distracted driving actions typically fall into one of three categories.
The average distracted driver looks away from the road 4.6 out of every six seconds. This amount of time not looking at the road can be disastrous and could lead to a potentially life-altering accident. To learn more about how you can possibly take legal action and recover financial compensation after suffering in such an accident, contact the San Diego car accident lawyers of Ritter & Associates today at (619) 296-0123.
Distracted Driving Categories
When drivers look away from the road or take their hands off the wheel to do something else, they are significantly increasing the chance of an accident occurring. The three categories of distracted driving include:
- Visual – A driver can be visually distracted if he or she averts their eyes from the road. This can be to look at another passenger or to look at their cell phone to dial a number or text.
- Manual – Taking one’s hand off the wheel is considered manual distraction. In many cases, a driver will reach in the backseat or adjust the radio, both of which could be distracting.
- Cognitive – When a driver’s mind or thoughts are not on driving safe. He or she may be thinking of something else.
Regardless of which form of distracted driving a person commits, if it causes you injury or harm in an accident, they should be held liable for their reckless behavior.
Contact Us
You shouldn’t have to suffer from a distracted driver’s actions alone. Call a San Diego car accident attorney of Ritter & Associates at (619) 296-0123 today to schedule a free consultation.