Submitted by Aiken Jacobsen on
Driving while distracted has become a common occurrence in California, with many drivers still using cellphones and other technology behind the wheel. While technology plays a big role in distracted driving, any type of activity that takes a driver's attention off the road is dangerous.
Distracted drivers cause thousands of car accidents every year in the U.S. so it is important for all drivers to be aware of the dangers of distracted driving. Texting while driving and using other technological devices are known to increase the risk of being in a car accident, but did you know that there are many other behaviors behind the wheel that cause drivers to become distracted?
There are three types of distractions that many drivers face on the road. The three types are manual, visual and cognitive. Manual distractions are when a driver reaches for something else in the car, such as a cellphone or changing the radio station, and takes his or her hands off the steering wheel.
Visual distractions are when a driver takes his or her eyes off the road to read a text message, email, or looking at something else on the road.
Cognitive distractions are when a driver's mind is not able to fully focus or concentrate on driving. This can be caused by talking to someone on the phone or a passenger, daydreaming or trying to do two cognitive functions at the same time.
Studies have found that drivers are not able to multitask and those that do have an increased risk of being in a car accident, especially if they are trying to do two different cognitive functions at once. Multitasking and becoming distracted behind the wheel reduces a driver's reaction time, which can be very dangerous when the driver is travelling at higher speeds.
The temptation to use a cellphone or multitask while driving is high, but the so are the risks. Drivers in California should be aware of all the different ways they may become distracted while driving and take steps to reduce and minimize these distractions to keep themselves and everyone safe on the road.
Source: Rocklin and Roseville Today, "Driving While Distracted: The Unrecognized Danger," June 13, 2013
