One of the most causes of severe traffic accidents in New Jersey is distracted driving. Drivers who turn away their attention from the road to focus on other things for a few seconds risk causing a crash. And while in the past, changing the radio station was the primary mechanical distraction, GPS systems and smartphone configurations exacerbate the problem.
Types of distracted driving
There are four categories of driving distractions: cognitive, auditory, manual, and visual. Visual distractions happen when drivers take their eyes off the road and look somewhere else. Examples of visual distractions include texting, rubbernecking, and reading billboards. Such distractions delay the driver’s reaction time, resulting in a car accident if the driver loses focus.
Sounds and noises emerging from your vehicle can make you lose focus when driving. For instance, when your engine starts to make weird sounds, you might direct your attention to the problem and in the process take your eyes off of the road ahead.
Manual distractions occur when you start operating other gadgets and draw your hands from the wheel. Remember, even if you have your eyes set on the road and are using your hands to change the radio station or drink coffee, your driving control is poor. Cognitive distractions happen when you lose focus or start thinking of other things when driving. Driving when using a cellphone is a good example. Other types include reprimanding children and talking to passengers.
Seeking both medical and legal assistance
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle crash that was caused by the negligence of another motorist, your first priority of course should be to seek medical attention. Thereafter, you might find it advisable to meet with an experienced attorney to learn what recourse you might have for seeking compensation for your losses.