If you avoid using your cellphone in the car, you’re making a wise, safe decision. Cellphones are very distracting for drivers. Even if you’re going to do something like use a GPS or stream music, it’s best to set it up before you leave the house. This way, you don’t actually need to interact with your device in the car.
But it’s also important to note that it’s not just active cellphone use that leads to driver distraction. For instance, some people will write text messages at red lights, believing that this keeps them safe from distraction. But in actuality, studies find that there are about 27 more seconds of mental distraction after the phone is used. The person texting at a red light is still distracted when traffic starts moving again, even if they put their phone down.
Why does this happen?
The thing to remember is that there are three different types of distractions. Manual and visual distractions are created when someone is holding a phone in their hand or looking at the screen. These distractions do go away when they set their phone down.
But, cognitive distractions can still remain. The person may simply be thinking about their text message or the conversation they’re having.
Furthermore, someone who has been looking at their phone isn’t paying as close of attention to conditions on the road around them. They may not realize that other vehicles have changed positions, a cyclist has pulled up alongside them in the bike lane or a pedestrian has walked into the crosswalk. Missing these types of details can still cause an accident as the driver tries to refocus on the road while simultaneously starting to drive.
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver? If so, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and more.