What is distracted driving?

Most drivers probably think they have a good idea of what distracted driving is but the reality is that it includes many unsafe driving behaviors drivers engage in every day. It is helpful for drivers to know the dangerous distracted driving behaviors they should avoid and for victims of distracted drivers to be familiar with the legal protections available to them if they are injured by a distracted driver.

Distracted driving generally refers to any behavior engaged in by a driver that removes their attention from the roadway. Distracted driving is divided into three categories including cognitive distraction that removes the driver’s focus from the roadway; manual distraction that removes the driver’s hands from the steering wheel; and visual distraction that removes the driver’s eyes from the roadway. Texting while driving is considered the most serious distracted driving behavior because it combines all three types of driver distraction.

In addition to texting while driving, however, there are many other distracted driving behaviors drivers may engage in including talking on a cell phone; operating a navigation device or radio while driving; grooming while driving; eating while driving; reading while driving; and other behaviors as well. Distracted driving is considered negligent behavior and distracted drivers may be liable to compensate victims injured in distracted driving-related car accidents. Victims of distracted drivers may be able to recover compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering damages.

Personal injury legal protections can help car accident victims of distracted drivers with the physical, financial and emotional damages suffered in a distracted driving-related accident. As a result, victims of distracted drivers should understand the legal remedies available to them that can help them during the recovery process.