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How Does Distracted Driving Cause Motor Vehicle Accidents?

Posted on : June 28, 2021
Distracted Driving Accident in Atlanta

Distracted Driving Accidents: What You Need To Know

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous causes of motor vehicle accidents in Georgia and across the country. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common.  

Distractions can: 

Take Your Eyes Off the Road 

Visual distractions are distractions that you look at, which means they take your eyes off the road. Many visual distractions aren’t a problem — a quick glance is often all that’s involved before you pass it. Other visual distractions, however, can be an issue when they remove your attention from the road for longer than a second or two. 

Examples of Visual Distractions 

  • Cell phones 
  • Billboards or other large signs 
  • Roadside activities, like car wash fundraisers or garage sales 
  • Paper and digital maps 

Take Your Hands Off the Wheel 

Manual distractions are those that require the use of your hands, taking them off the wheel. While looking away for a few seconds at something may not be much of a problem, removing your hands from the wheel of the car for even a split second can result in an accident. 

Manual distractions are particularly dangerous for this reason; they reduce your reaction time drastically because your hands are occupied with other things and you’re not able to react quickly to changes in traffic. 

Examples of Manual Distractions 

  • Cell phones 
  • Eating 
  • Changing the radio station or climate controls 
  • Putting on makeup 

Take Your Mind Off of Driving 

Cognitive distractions are distractions that take your mind off the task of driving. Most people experience cognitive distractions behind the wheel from time to time, and often, muscle memory takes over. However, distractions that take your thoughts away from driving can reduce your reaction time much like a manual distraction — you can’t react quickly enough to sudden changes in traffic when your mind is somewhere else. 

Examples of Cognitive Distractions 

  • Cell phones 
  • Conversations with passengers 
  • Daydreaming 

Injured in a Distracted Driving Accident? Southside Injury Law Can Help 

One thing you’ll notice about the above types of distractions is that cell phones fall into every category, including auditory. This is what makes them particularly dangerous behind the wheel because they remove your attention from driving on every level. 

If you or someone you love were hurt in an accident caused by a distracted driver, don’t wait to get legal help. You may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Contact Southside Injury Law today for a consultation by calling (800) 393-8595. 

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