Distracted driving is unquestionably dangerous on the roadways. Every day in the United States 9 victims are killed in fatal distracted driving related-accidents and 1,000 victims are injured in distracted driving-related accidents.
Texting while driving and using and cell phone that is not hands-free is prohibited in Arizona. There are a variety of different types of distracted driving that drivers should avoid. Types of distracted driving include:
- Cognitive distractions – cognitive distractions include any distraction while driving that removes the driver’s attention and focus from the roadway.
- Manual distractions – manual distractions include any distraction that removes the driver’s hands from the steering wheel while driving.
- Visual distractions – visual distractions include any distraction that removes the driver’s eyes from the roadway while driving.
There are many different examples of distracted driving behaviors. Texting while driving is considered the most dangerous form of distracted driving because it combines all three types of distracted driving. Additional types of distracted driving include operating a cell phone while driving; adjusting a radio or navigation device while driving; eating while driving; grooming while driving; reading while driving; and other forms of distraction while driving as well. Though many drivers engage in these distracted driving behaviors, it makes them no less dangerous.
All types of distracted driving should be avoided. When a distracted driver decides to drive while they are distracted, they may be liable to victims for the damages they suffer. Distracted driving can be incredibly destructive which is why victims need to be familiar with the personal injury legal resources available to protect them.