The Three Types of Distracted Driving: What Every Michigan Driver Should Know

WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?

The most basic definition of distracted driving is any activity that diverts a motorist’s attention away from the process of driving. While many things can cause a driver to become sidetracked, distracted driving is generally classified into three categories:

Visual

Visual distraction is when a driver looks at something other than the road. The distraction can be inside the vehicle, such as a navigation screen or a child in the backseat, or something outside the car such as a billboard or that classic car in the next lane.  

Manual

A manual distraction is anything that causes a driver to take one or both hands off the wheel. Using a hand-held cell phone is the most obvious example, but eating or drinking, adjusting the temperature controls and programming the GPS are equally distracting. What’s more, a driver is also mentally distracted when performing these activities, which increases the risk of an accident.  

Cognitive

A cognitive distraction is anything that takes a driver’s mind away from the road and surrounding traffic. Such distractions may include thinking about an upcoming meeting, making a mental shopping list or worrying about a family member or personal problem. When this happens, a driver can become totally unaware of their surroundings until it is too late.

Each type of distraction is risky on its own, but activities that cause all three types to occur are especially dangerous. Examples are sending or reading texts, talking on a hand-held cell phone, putting on makeup and unwrapping and eating a sandwich or candy bar. Anything that takes a driver’s hands, eyes and mind away from the road can lead to tragic consequences.

WHAT ABOUT AUDITORY DISTRACTION?

In addition to visual, manual and cognitive distractions, some traffic safety experts add a fourth category: auditory distraction. This occurs when a driver hears or listens to something unrelated to driving, such as a song, podcast or passengers’ conversations. However, because listening to words or music also requires paying attention, auditory interruptions are typically grouped with other cognitive distractions.

DAYDREAMING IS A FORM OF DISTRACTED DRIVING  

Most people associate distracted driving with cell phones and other electronic devices. However, analysts from Erie Insurance discovered that daydreaming was the major cause of fatal distracted driving crashes.

Unlike other types of distracted driving that physically take away a driver’s attention, like texting, talking to a passenger or eating and drinking, daydreaming is less obvious. However, this can be just as dangerous as other types of distracted driving, especially because the driver can appear focused even when their attention is elsewhere. 

WHAT ARE THE TOP TYPES OF DISTRACTED DRIVING?

According to the NHTSA 2024 Traffic Safety Facts, the most common causes of distracted driving accidents include everyday actions such as: 

• Another person in the car
• A moving object inside the vehicle, like a pet or dropped item
• Using a cell phone, including a hands-free device
• Changing the radio or temperature controls 
• Adjusting vehicle elements such as interior lights, the windows or the mirrors
• Using or reaching for something in the vehicle
• A person or event outside the vehicle
• Eating or drinking
• Smoking
• Carelessness or inattentive behavior
• Daydreaming or being lost in thought
• Unspecified or other distraction 

WHO IS DISTRACTED DRIVING

Distracted driving doesn’t discriminate. Anyone, at any age, can find themselves becoming distracted while driving. That said, some age groups are more likely to be involved in a fatal accident that was caused by distracted driving. 

According to the NHTSA, drivers between 15 and 44 years old make up the highest percent of distracted drivers. In addition, cell phone use while driving is more common in drivers aged 21 to 34 years old. 

10 TIPS TO AVOID DISTRACTED DRIVING

It only takes a second of distraction to cause a potentially fatal car accident. Taking steps to limit distractions while behind the wheel can help protect you and anyone else on the road with you. Here are some ways to avoid distracted driving: 

1. Avoid eating and drinking while behind the wheel
2. Put your phone away while driving
3. Pull over to respond to texts or take a call
4. If you have passengers, let them be your navigator 
5. Secure anything that could move around while on the road, including pets 
6. When using a GPS, enter the destination before taking off
7. Pull over if your children, passengers or pets need attention
8. If something falls on the floor while driving, pull over before reaching to grab it
9. Adjust your seat, mirrors, temperature and radio settings before starting your drive
10. Keep your attention on the road at all times

PUT OUR EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TO WORK FOR YOU TODAY

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