Cognitive Distractions When Behind The Wheel

California drivers who are not paying attention to the roadway when they are driving can be exhibiting signs of cognitive distraction. Most people are familiar with hearing the term “distracted driving” when it comes to texting and driving. However, car accidents also happen as a result of cognitive distraction.

WHAT IS COGNITIVE DISTRACTION?

Cognitive distraction is anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the roadway and the task of driving. This distraction could be a mental one, something inside of the car or even a distraction outside of the car. Some common examples of cognitive distractions include having a phone conversation on a hands-free device, speaking with your passengers, attending to a child in the back seat or even watching a dog hang out of the window.

Many drivers don’t see the dangers that cognitive driving can bring. In most cases, it’s simply for a few seconds at a time. The reality is that motor vehicle accidents happen all the time due to these short cognitive distractions. When a person driving 55 mph has a 4-second cognitive distraction, they could drive the length of a football field without looking at the roadway. A lot can happen in that distance.

PHONES CAN RESULT IN COGNITIVE DISTRACTIONS

Smartphones are one very popular type of cognitive distraction. Most people are under the false assumption that texting is the only way that smartphones can provide a cognitive distraction. The reality is that just having a phone conversation, even on a hands-free device, can pull your attention away from the task of driving. It’s recommended that you wait to use your smartphone until you arrive at your destination.

Cognitive distractions continue to be a rising concern in regards to the number of traffic accidents that happen each year. While there are many concerns regarding texting and driving, other cognitive distractions are responsible too. If you’ve been injured due to another driving being distracted, it’s time to contact a lawyer to seek the compensation that you deserve due to the other driver’s neglect.