The Types of Distraction Threatening Your Safety

Distracted driving is a serious threat to the well-being of every person driving on Connecticut roads and highways. The choice to engage in negligent or reckless behavior while behind the wheel is not only dangerous for the driver, it puts everyone else on the road at an increased risk for an accident.

Victims of distracted driving accidents have rights, including the right to hold liable parties accountable through a civil claim. There are various types of distracted driving, and they are all dangerous. If you believe that you have grounds to move forward with a claim, you may find it beneficial to first seek an evaluation of your case and an explanation of your legal options.

Types of distracted driving

Distracted driving is a term used to describe any activity that takes a driver’s attention from the task at hand. Most instances of distracted driving involve the use of a cellphone, but that is not always the case. Some of the most common types of distracted driving include the following:

• Visual distraction: This includes anything that causes a driver to remove his or her eyes from the road. This could be a cellphone, looking at a passenger or even looking at a billboard in passing.
• Manual distraction: This involves things that might cause a driver to remove his or her hands from the wheel, such as reaching for a phone, adjusting the radio or eating while driving.
• Cognitive distraction: This involves anything that could cause a driver to have an unfocused mind. A driver could have both hands on the wheel and still be cognitively distracted.

A driver is always responsible for the choices he or she makes behind the wheel, regardless of the type of distraction. Texting and using a phone while driving is especially dangerous because it involves visual, manual and cognitive distraction at the same time.

What are your rights as an accident victim?

If you suffered because of the actions of a distracted driver, you have the right to seek financial compensation through a civil claim. It is possible to hold liable drivers accountable for their actions, securing rightful compensation for your medical bills, emotional duress and other accident-related losses.

It is beneficial to take quick action after an accident. When your full and fair recovery is on the line, there is no time to lose in seeking appropriate guidance for the civil claims process. There is no excuse for distracted driving, and you can fight back when negligent drivers cause you harm.