April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Safety Council (NSC) use the event to promote awareness on distracted driving. This issue is particularly important to the team at ER Injury Attorneys, since distracted driving in Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing causes of car accidents in the areas we serve.
To help you and the drivers in your family learn more about distracted driving in Nevada, our personal injury lawyers explain the three major types of distractions that affect drivers.
Distracted Driving in Las Vegas: Three Major Types
There are three major types of distractions that drivers need to be aware of: cognitive distractions, manual distractions, and visual distractions. Here are explanations and examples of each.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions are ones that take your mind off the act of driving. Examples of these include:
- Chatting with passengers
- Talking on the phone
- Daydreaming
- Planning your day instead of focusing on driving safely
A newer type of cognitive distraction is having your attention grabbed by elaborate phone alert sounds and ringtones. Most phones that use modern operating systems like Apple iOS and Google Android have “driving modes” that limit phone alerts and other distractions once you reach a certain speed. Consider using these features to increase your safety.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions cause you to take one or both of your hands off of the steering wheel. Examples of these distractions include:
- Changing the radio station manually
- Using your smartphone while driving
- Drinking or eating while driving
- Applying makeup or shaving while driving
Having one hand or no hands on the steering wheel severely limits your ability to quickly react to traffic conditions. While taking one hand off of the steering wheel for a few seconds may seem innocent, it can make the difference between staying safe and suffering a catastrophic injury.
Visual Distractions
Things that cause you to take your eyes off the road are considered visual distractions. Examples of this include:
- Looking at phone alerts
- Reading websites while driving
- Staring at billboards
- Searching for a dropped object instead of looking at the road
Similar to manual distractions, some people dismiss the gravity of taking their eyes off of the road. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers claims that taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles your chances of getting into a car accident. While many locals and tourists love the bright lights of Sin City, they unfortunately lead to car accidents caused by distracted driving in Las Vegas.
Injured By a Distracted Driver?
The staff at ER Injury Attorneys hopes that you have a better understanding of the cause of distracted driving in Las Vegas. Please share this information with your friends and family in order to increase everyone’s safety. Should you get injured by a distracted driver, please contact us for immediate assistance.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 702-878-7878 or online through LiveChat or secure contact form. Our team represents injury victims throughout Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and beyond. If you’re looking for a Nevada injury lawyer with a proven track record of winning great settlements for clients and a reputation for sterling customer service then contact ER Injury Attorneys today.