In an increasingly connected world, distracted driving continues to be a major problem for Tennessee drivers. Many Tennessee residents might consider themselves to be safe drivers, but the reality is that distracted driving can take many different forms.
What are the types of distracted driving?
When we hear distracted driving, we think about cell phones or people in the car. These are just a few examples of distracted driving though. In reality, distractions while driving can be broken into three main categories:
– Visual distractions
– Manual distractions
– Cognitive distractions
Cell phones and people in the car are considered to be visual distractions since they make you take your eyes off the road. GPS systems, the radio, and operating non-driving controls can also be considered visual distractions.
What are manual and cognitive distractions?
A manual distraction is anything that makes you take your hands off the wheel. These can be things like drinking, smoking, or fumbling to find something in your car.
Changing the radio or putting something into your GPS can also be considered manual distractions. But manual distractions might also be cognitive distractions that take your overall focus away from the road.
Cognitive distractions look a little different. These can be things in the car that take your attention away from driving (singing to the radio, talking to passengers, etc.) but they can also be external factors.
Things like driving drowsy or drunk are considered cognitive distractions since they impair your cognitive function. When you’re distracted or not operating at your full cognitive capacity, you’ll react slower and are more likely to miss important details while driving.
How to avoid distracted driving
Since we drive every day, it can be easy to slip up and get distracted. However, ensuring that you remain focused on the road and that you’re fit to drive can help prevent thousands of accidents a year.