Anything that takes a Texas driver’s focus from the task at hand is a type of distraction. Whether it’s one second or several moments of distraction, it is always a dangerous and preventable behavior. There are different types of distracted driving, and they each affect drivers in different ways. While this type of risky action often involves a phone, various other things can also be dangerously distracting.
The effects of distraction
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three main types of distraction. When these happen to someone in control of a moving vehicle, the results can be catastrophic. These three main types of distraction include:
- Manual distraction is anything that requires the person to remove his or her hand from the wheel, like drafting a text, eating a burger or adjusting the radio.
- Visual distraction is anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, like reading an email, looking at a billboard and more.
- Cognitive distraction is anything that takes a driver’s mind from the task at hand. This may include reading a text, talking on the phone or even daydreaming.
Cellphones are especially dangerous for drivers because they can cause all three types of distraction simultaneously.
A dangerous behavior
There is no excuse for distracted driving. Someone who causes an accident because he or she was distracted is accountable for damage to property and harm caused to others. Victims of distracted driving accidents in Texas have the right to pursue compensation through a civil claim.