In Indiana, accidents occur due to many reasons. While some are unavoidable, such as weather conditions, many are preventable. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents in this state that you can avoid. There are three main types of distracted driving: visual, manual and cognitive.
Visual distractions
This type of distracted driving occurs when you take your eyes off the road. It can happen when you look at something inside or outside of the car. Checking your phone, looking at a map, or even rubbernecking are all examples of visually distracted driving.
Unfortunately, when you take your eyes off the road, even for a second, you are no longer able to see what is happening around you. This can lead to missing a stop sign or running into someone who has stopped suddenly, leading to a personal injury.
Manual distractions
Manual distractions occur when you take your hands off the wheel. This can happen when you are fumbling with something in the car, such as a phone, or when you reach for something that has fallen. Even if your eyes are on the road, if your hands are not on the wheel, you are not in control of the car.
Manual distractions are one of the leading causes of accidents, as they often lead to veering into oncoming traffic or running off the road.
Cognitive distractions
This type of distracted driving is perhaps the most dangerous, as it occurs when you are not mentally focused on driving. Eating, talking to passengers, and even daydreaming are all examples of cognitively distracted driving.
When you are not paying attention to the road, you are more likely to miss something important, such as a stop sign or pedestrian. This can lead to an accident.
The best way to avoid distracted driving is to be aware of the dangers it poses. If you are going to be talking on the phone, for instance, use a hands-free device. If you are looking for something, pull over and stop the car before searching. And if you are feeling tired, make sure to take a break before getting back on the road.
