Responsible drivers care about their safety, as well as the safety of others on the road. Driving distracted is irresponsible because it endangers everyone.
Even if you make it a point to drive safely and conscientiously, distracted motorists can still cause accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the following are three types of distractions that cause mayhem on the road.
Cognitive distractions
Failure to mentally focus on driving is a cognitive distraction. Even daydreaming is dangerous when operating a vehicle, as it negatively affects reaction time.
Manual distractions
Manual refers to your hands, which must grip the wheel to have total control over your vehicle. Even removing one hand from the wheel may result in an accident when a sudden road hazard appears.
Visual distractions
When driving defensively, you look ahead on the road to check for possible hazards. This includes stopped vehicles or pedestrians in your path. A visual distraction entails looking away from the road at something else, such as the radio, a passenger, or mobile device.
Why texting and driving is so dangerous
Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction, which is why so many states have laws prohibiting texting behind the wheel. The mind is on reading or composing the message, the eyes look at the screen, and the hands type out words.
When involved in an accident, stay calm. If there are no injuries, safely exit your vehicle and exchange insurance info with the other motorists involved. Report the incident to the insurer as soon as possible after the accident occurred.