What is Considered Distracted Driving? Signs, Examples & Why It’s Dangerous
Distracted driving is a leading cause of preventable accidents, injuries, and fatalities on roads everywhere. Yet many drivers still underestimate what activities count as distractions behind the wheel.
With conveniently located offices in Scranton, Berwick, Tunkhannock, and the Pocono Mountains region, we’re here to help those injured as a result of distracted driving across all of Northeastern/Central PA and the Pocono Mountains Region and surrounding counties including cities and towns such as Pittston, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Clarks Summit, Dallas, Kingston, Bear Creek, Meshoppen, Mountaintop, Dunmore, Carbondale, Nanticoke, Bloomsburg, Hazelton, East Stroudsburg, Throop, Jessup, Forest City, and more.
Our attorneys will clarify what’s considered distracted driving, explore the common types and causes, and explain the serious consequences. If you’re a victim of a distracted driving accident, we’ll also discuss how the skilled personal injury attorneys at Lenahan & Dempsey can help.
Understanding Distracted Driving
Distracted driving occurs when a driver’s attention is taken away from the critical task of operating a vehicle. Even a split second of inattention can dramatically increase the risk of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of lives are lost every year due to distracted driving, and countless more are affected by injuries and property damage.
Distractions come in many forms. The core issue is simple: Anything that takes your eyes, hands, or mind off the road is considered distracted driving.
Driving requires full attention. Vehicles travel at high speeds, and road conditions can change in an instant. When a driver’s focus shifts — even briefly — to a phone, food, or another passenger, their reaction time slows. That delay can turn a minor hazard into a major accident. Statistics show that distracted driving is as risky as drunk driving in some cases, especially when phones are involved.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving isn’t limited to just looking at your phone. Distractions are categorized into four main types:
1. Visual Distractions
These occur when you take your eyes off the road. Examples include:
- Looking at a phone or navigation system
- Reading a billboard or roadside sign
- Glancing at passengers
- Searching for something inside your car
2. Manual Distractions
Manual distractions involve taking one or both hands off the steering wheel. Examples include:
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls
- Reaching for items in the glove box or back seat
- Using a handheld device while driving
3. Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions happen when your mind isn’t focused on driving. You might be:
- Daydreaming or lost in thought
- Engaged in emotional or stressful conversations
- Worrying about work, family, or other personal issues
- Trying to follow complicated directions
4. Auditory Distractions
Auditory distractions involve noises that draw your attention away from driving safely. These can include:
- Listening to loud music or podcasts
- Phone notifications and alerts
- Arguments or loud conversations with passengers
- Noisy pets in the vehicle
Common Examples of Distracted Driving
While any distraction increases driving risk, some behaviors are especially common causes of accidents.
1. Phone Use
Texting, scrolling through social media, making phone calls, or fumbling with navigation apps are widespread issues. Studies have shown texting and driving is approaching drunk driving in fatalities.
2. Eating and Drinking
Eating fast food, sipping coffee, or unwrapping snacks all require taking at least one hand off the wheel. These seemingly harmless actions can quickly become dangerous if something unexpected happens on the road.
3. Grooming
Applying makeup, combing hair, or even shaving while driving are all risky behaviors that divide your attention and limit your reaction time.
4. Adjusting Controls
Fiddling with the radio, climate control, or in-car navigation system can easily pull your focus from the task at hand.
5. Reaching for Objects
Often, drivers lean to reach phones, bags, or items that have fallen out of reach. This physical shift leads to both manual and visual distraction.
6. Engaging Passengers
Deep or emotional conversations, managing children, or dealing with pets can all pull your mind and eyes away from the road.
7. Daydreaming
A wandering mind is a significant form of cognitive distraction. Zoning out or deep thinking can cause drivers to miss important cues or hazards.
How Lenahan & Dempsey Can Assist Distracted Driving Victims
Being involved in a distracted driving accident is overwhelming, especially if you or a loved one was injured due to someone else’s negligence. Lenahan & Dempsey brings decades of industry knowledge and a track record of results:
- Proven Skill: Our attorneys understand the details of distracted driving cases. We’ve fought and won substantial settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
- Record of Success: Judges and fellow attorneys have recognized our success repeatedly, securing us a Tier 1 Law Firm ranking and numerous Best Lawyer listings across Pennsylvania.
- Support for Victims and Families: Navigating recovery and the legal process can be daunting. We manage the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.
- Fighting for Justice: We battle insurance companies and at-fault drivers to make sure victims are treated fairly and compensated fully.
If you or a loved one has been affected by distracted driving, contact Lenahan & Dempsey for legal guidance and support. Remember, every time you get behind the wheel, full attention isn’t just a best practice—it’s a lifesaving commitment. Stay alert, stay responsible, and help make our roads safer for everyone.
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