The Different Forms of Distracted Driving

Since you were a teenager with your newly printed license, you’ve probably heard all about the dangers of distracted driving. Even a single moment of distraction can lead to serious consequences for yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. Anything that takes your attention away from the road causes at least one of the three types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. Learn more about the different forms of distracted driving and their consequences with this overview.

Visual Distractions

Visual distractions are activities or circumstances that cause you to take your eyes off the road. When you stop looking at your surroundings, you stop watching out for potential driving hazards. Cars move fast, which means your surroundings can change drastically during just a moment of visual distraction. Examples of visual distractions include looking at your passengers, reading a text message, or checking a GPS system. Be careful to keep your eyes on the road so that you can stay aware of where you are as well as any potential dangers that arise.

Manual Distractions

Manual distractions involve anything that takes your hands off the wheel. This can include eating, messing with the radio, or reaching over to hand something to a passenger. Taking one or both hands off the steering wheel impairs your reaction time. If something goes wrong, you aren’t prepared to respond quickly and safely. Manual distractions can also cause you to drift to the side or veer off the road entirely, making them dangerous for you and everyone else involved.

Cognitive Distractions

You can be holding the steering wheel and looking at the road like you’re supposed to, but if you aren’t focused, then you’re still driving distractedly. Cognitive distractions occur when your mind drifts away from the task of driving. Examples can include taking a hands-free phone call, listening intently to the radio, or even simply becoming lost in thought. Cognitive distractions may be less noticeable than manual and visual ones, but they’re still dangerous to yourself and others. Even if you’re looking at the road around you, a cognitive distraction makes it harder for you to process what’s going on.

Each of the different forms of distracted driving can lead to serious accidents. These distractions aren’t just dangerous—they can also lead to serious legal and financial consequences. If you end up needing SR22 insurance due to distracted driving, Serenity Group wants to help. Find the best policy for you by shopping SR22 insurance online today.