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(314) 500-HURTDistracted driving is a major cause of accidents, and one significant yet often overlooked factor is Cognitive Distractions While Driving. These are those distractions that take the driver’s mind away from focusing on driving, often because he is preoccupied, stressed, or in some emotionally charged conversation. Unlike physical distractions, emotional distractions are difficult to detect and can occur even when the driver appears to be paying attention.
Such interference can increase the risk of an accident because a second decision is often needed on the road. At Burger Law Firm, we see firsthand how these small oversights can have devastating consequences for drivers, passengers, and their families.
Cognitive distraction involves the orientation of the mind to something else other than driving. Unlike manual or visual distractions, cognitive distractions are mental and may occur with your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. This can be from daydreaming, deep conversations, or even personal issues, making it very hard to spot. According to Washington University Public Health, cognitive distractions drastically lower the ability of a driver to pay attention to critical tasks, hence increasing the risk of accidents.
Cognitive distractions and other forms of distracted driving are among the leading causes of traffic crashes statewide. According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, these are hidden distractions that are hard to police because they do not require physical movements.
Cognitive distractions are plentiful, and they are frequently downplayed because they don’t require overt behavior. The following are some examples of cognitive distractions:
Any one of them might divert the driver’s attention from critical driving tasks and increase the risk of crashing. Even a momentary loss of attention can lead to a terrible disaster, especially when traffic is at its maximum or during bad weather.
While cognitive distractions are dangerous, they are not the only type of distractions drivers face. Driving distractions are generally categorized into three main types:
Visual distractions entail drivers taking their eyes off the road. This could be to glance at a cell phone screen, to fiddle with changing the GPS setting, or just to turn around to see the passengers in the back seat. Sometimes, just a momentary gaze away can cause a devastating accident. For example, taking one’s eyes off the road for only five seconds while driving 55 mph would be similar to traveling the length of a football field blindfolded.
Manual distractions entail taking one or both hands from the wheel. Examples include eating or drinking, adjusting the radio, or reaching for something inside the car. This compromising on the control of the vehicle increases the chances of losing control. Manual distractions are particularly hazardous in heavy traffic or complex driving.
Cognitive, visual, or manual distractions from driving are considered some of the major causes of traffic collisions in Missouri. Drive Responsibly Campaign reports that a distracted driver is more likely to rear-end another vehicle, veer out of his lane, or even run through a red light or stop signal. The complication of the mental burden caused by cognitive distractions can render a quick reaction in case of an unexpected road hazard difficult, putting everybody on the road in danger.
At Burger Law, we emphasize the following in order to reduce the chances of distracted driving:
According to Save MO Lives, an effective reduction of the number of accidents due to distracted driving requires consistent public education on driver responsibility. Awareness and education of drivers truly help in reducing risks due to cognitive distractions.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a distracted driver, Burger Law is here to help. Contact us today at (314) 500-HURT to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Gary Burger who has more than 30 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury trial attorney. Gary’s robust legal knowledge is recognized by his peers as demonstrated by his industry awards and frequent Continuing Legal Education (CLE) lectures.
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