Whether it’s the glitz of downtown or one of the city’s many scenic vistas, there are many things that can distract you from driving safely. Unfortunately, distracted driving is one of the fastest growing causes of car crashes nationwide. To help the drivers in your household understand the causes of Reno distracted driving and how to avoid them, the Reno car accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe offers the guide below.
The Three Types of Driving Distractions
There are three major types of distractions that can lead to Reno car accidents: manual, cognitive, and visual. Here are descriptions of each, as well as ways to avoid them.
Manual Distractions
Things that cause you to remove one or both hands from the steering wheel are classified as manual distractions. Some examples of these distractions include drinking, eating, smoking, shaving, applying makeup, or reaching for an object in the vehicle.
These distractions can lead to accidents since you have less control over the vehicle when both hands are not on the steering wheel and your ability to respond to changes in road conditions or unexpected events is reduced significantly.
You can avoid manual distractions by keeping both hands on the steering wheel as much as possible. While you can let go in the event of an emergency, you should never take your hands off the steering wheel for superfluous reasons, such as shaving or applying lip liner.
Cognitive Distractions
Keeping your mind focused and sharp is essential to safe driving. Things that take your mind off of the act of driving are known as cognitive distractions. These distractions can occur due to daydreaming, fatigue, or focusing on issues unrelated to driving.
To prevent cognitive distractions, it is important to ensure you are adequately rested before operating a vehicle and avoid engaging in demanding mental activities while driving. Further, minimize loud or deep conversations with passengers or speaking with someone on the phone using a hands-free device as your attention will be divided between the conversation and the act of driving. Lastly, keep music volume at a low level to ensure optimal focus on the road ahead.
Visual Distractions
Things that cause you to take your eyes off of the road, even for a brief moment, are known as visual distractions. Common visual distractions include looking at a mobile phone, staring at billboards, and admiring beautiful scenery. Visual distractions prevent you from properly scanning the road, seeing traffic signals, and seeing other vehicles, increasing the likelihood of a car crash.
The simplest and most effective way to avoid visual distractions is to keep your eyes focused on road conditions. Additionally, you should not use electronic devices while driving. If you’re using a mapping app on your phone or a GPS device, make sure to enter your destination before starting the trip. If you need to set a new destination or adjust your car’s settings then pull over so that you can do so safely.
In a Reno Distracted Driving Car Accident?
The Reno injury attorney at Lerner and Rowe hopes that you find the information above useful. Please share it with your family and friends to help them stay safe on the road. Unfortunately, some accidents are unavoidable. If you’ve suffered injuries caused by a distracted driver then contact us for immediate assistance.
You can reach the Reno distracted driving accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 775-644-4444 and online through LiveChat or encrypted contact form. Consultations are free and we do not charge any legal fees unless money has been recovered on your behalf. With a long history of billion-dollar results and a genuine commitment to customer care, Lerner and Rowe is the way to go.