How are Drivers Distracted by Using a Cell Phone?

Government officials in California and across the United States are steadily enforcing more and more laws concerning using a cell phone while driving. Some may think this is not necessary, but cell phone usage can create dangerous levels of distraction for a driver that can easily cause a serious accident. Driving requires great amounts of focus and awareness. Using a cell phone in any manner can easily lead to poor driving and an inability to avoid hazards on the road.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are three types of distraction that can result from cell phone usage.

Visual

When using a cell phone, drivers may take their eyes off the road in order to look at the device. This may happen when looking at information for an incoming call, dialing a phone number, and reading or writing a text message. Additionally, smart phones have even more possible visual distractions due to their numerous applications, which can range from the helpful, such as maps, to the entertaining, like games. In any case, when a driver takes his or her eyes of the road for even a second, they will not be able to see hazards such as changing traffic, pedestrians, stop lights, and more.

Manual

Cell phone usage commonly requires the use of one or both hands. While California law permits drivers to talk on a phone as long as they are using a hands-free device, many still do not follow such rules. In particular, texting or using an app may involve a driver using both of his or her hands to type a message. Even if a driver cannot use one hand, he or she will be unable to drive the car properly, especially if emergency maneuvers need to be made. This can easily lead to mistakes on the road and crashes that should have been avoided.

Cognitive

Using a cell phone requires concentration. Drivers who are talking on a phone have devoted part of their mental capabilities to the conversation that is happening. Reading or writing a text message also needs focus and thought. In either of these cases, this is less time spent thinking about the road and processing your current situation, and more time focusing on cell phone-related activities. While it may not seem like the case to longtime drivers, operating a car safely uses up the vast majority of brain activity. When any of this is devoted to something else, reaction time is slowed and crash-causing errors may occur at any time.

Protecting the Rights of Distracted Driving Victims

At the Jurewitz Law Group, our San Diego cell phone accident victim lawyers are dedicated to helping crash victims recover from the losses caused by a distracted driver. By proving fault and finding compensation, we can help victims with their medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost income. To learn more about how we may be able to aid you, call (888) 233-5020.