Free Consultation:212-766-5222

Group photo of the firm

What Is Considered Distracted Driving?

In a city like New York, it’s easy to get distracted. This is especially true while driving. From looking at billboards to checking their cellphones, many people are guilty of not giving the road their full attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2,800 people in the US were killed in 2018 due to distracted driving. To help keep drivers informed, here’s an overview of the different types of distracted driving and avoid how to avoid them.

The Three Types of Distracted Driving

A person looking at their phone while driving
  • Cognitive distraction: This is anything that prevents you from fully focusing on the road while driving. These are mental distractions that don’t force you to physically look away from traffic. Examples include stressing about issues at work, arguing with a passenger, or having a serious conversation while using a hands-free phone setup. All these situations can make it more difficult to react when you’re driving. Try to clear your mind or finish phone calls before you hit the road.
  • Visual distraction: Something that causes you to look away from the road, such as sending a text or looking at your navigation system for directions. Keep it safe by waiting until you pull over to text or have a passenger pull up Google Maps and tell you which turn to take.
  • Manual distraction: This includes anything that causes you to take your hands off the wheel. Though you might be tempted to eat or put on makeup while driving to save time, using your hands for anything other than steering can be dangerous. Plus, getting into a car accident will add at least an hour to your commute.

Call the Car Accident Attorneys at Leav & Steinberg

If you’re reading this, you’re probably not the kind of driver who would risk driving while distracted. However, many of the other people on the road aren’t as considerate. If you’ve been hurt because of the negligence of a distracted driver, you should speak with the car accident attorneys at Leav & Steinberg LLP. Since 1999, we’ve protected the rights of people in New York City by helping them receive compensation for their injuries. To schedule a free consultation at our offices in Manhattan and the Bronx, call us at 212-766-5222 today.