Drivers often make an assumption that distracted driving is limited to being on their phone when they are behind the wheel. However, distracted driving existed in many forms practically since the invention of the car. As there are more inventions, there are more things to take away a driver’s attention. There are many different forms of distracted driving that could lead to serious car crashes. Anything that could compromise a driver’s ability to focus on the road may be considered distracted driving.

Cell Phone Use

Of course, mobile phone usage is perhaps the most common form of distracted driving these days. The smartphone has been around for less than two decades. However, it has become such an integral part of life that drivers are often unable to put down their phones when they are driving. They may text or read the internet in spite of hands-free laws that restrict these behaviors. In the time that it takes for a driver to read a text while traveling on the highway at full speed, their car can travel the length of more than one football field.

The Infotainment Screen

The infotainment system in a car is another more recent cause of distracted driving. This screen can be every bit as dangerous as the use of a hands-free device. Drivers are often focused on getting directions or adjusting their music on this screen. These screens were intended to replace analog buttons and reduce the amount of time that it takes for drivers to perform certain tasks. However, studies have shown that fiddling with the infotainment screen can actually lengthen these times and take away a driver’s focus from the road for longer periods of time.

Talking to Passengers

Conversation is perhaps the oldest form of distracted driving. Motorists who have another passenger in the vehicle and engage in conversation with them may be focused more on talking than driving. This is not to say that a motorist must drive in silence, but they must not allow conversation to distract their focus. Conversation can be even more distracting when it is heated or passionate. For example, a parent could be struggling with their children while driving, and they cannot pay attention to the road.

Eating While Driving

Eating behind the wheel is another cause of distracted driving. Motorists try to eat all kinds of food when they are driving, including fast food, tacos, and other types of messy meals. Drivers may be more concerned about not getting food on themselves than they are about what is going on around them on the roadway. Eating takes at least one hand off the wheel, and some drivers may eat with both hands.

Daydreaming

A driver does not actually have to be actively doing anything to be distracted. They may be lost in thought while they are driving. Daydreaming is a very common cause of distracted driving car crashes because the motorist does not process the challenges around them on the roadway. While they are located behind the wheel, functionally, they may as well be somewhere else.

Distracted driving car crashes can be extremely serious. These crashes often occur at higher speeds and with no way for the other motorist to take any type of evasive action. If you are loved one has been injured in a crash that involved distracted driving, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. You do not even have to prove that the other driver was distracted to qualify for a settlement check. All you need to show is that they did something that could be considered negligence to win your case.

Contact the Rio Rancho Car Crash Lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC Today for Help With Your Case

No matter the cause, if you have been injured in any type of motor vehicle crash, the experienced Rio Rancho car crash lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC can help. You can schedule a free initial consultation with one of our car crash lawyers by calling us today at 505-900-3559 or contact us online. Our office is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and we gladly serve clients in Santa Fe and the surrounding areas.