Distracted driving happens when something pulls your attention away from the road. Even a quick glance at your phone or a second of daydreaming can lead to a crash. Every driver is at risk, but knowing the different types of distractions can help you stay safer behind the wheel. There are four main types of distractions: visual, manual, auditory, and cognitive. Each one affects your focus in different ways.
Visual Distractions
A visual distraction takes your eyes off the road. Common examples include looking at a GPS, checking your phone, adjusting the radio, or turning to talk to a passenger. These distractions might seem harmless, but even a second of lost focus can make a big difference. When you’re going 55 mph, looking away for just five seconds means you’ve traveled the length of a football field without seeing where you’re going.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions happen when you take your hands off the wheel. Eating, drinking, smoking, or reaching for an item all count as manual distractions. These actions slow your reaction time and reduce your control of the vehicle. Many drivers think they can multitask, but doing anything with your hands besides steering increases your risk of crashing.
Auditory Distractions
Auditory distractions involve sounds that take your attention away from driving. This can include loud music, phone calls (even hands-free), or conversations with passengers. While your eyes may still be on the road and your hands on the wheel, your brain is focused on the sound. This makes it harder to respond to what’s happening around you, like emergency sirens or honking.
Cognitive Distractions
Cognitive distractions happen when your mind isn’t focused on driving. Daydreaming, being upset, talking to someone on the phone, or thinking about something stressful are all examples. You might look like you’re driving normally, but your brain is somewhere else. These distractions can be just as dangerous as looking away from the road.
Why Texting While Driving Is So Dangerous
Texting combines all four types of distractions. When you send a message while driving, your eyes are on the screen (visual), your hands are off the wheel (manual), your brain is focused on the message (cognitive), and you may be listening to message alerts (auditory). This makes texting one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving.
Studies show texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to crash. Drivers who text are also slower to react, even more so than drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. Taking your eyes off the road for a few seconds may not feel like a big deal, but the risk of a serious accident goes up fast.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Young drivers are the most likely to be distracted. According to the CDC, drivers aged 15 to 29 are involved in a large share of crashes linked to distracted driving. Teen drivers are especially vulnerable, with 9% of fatal crashes involving teens caused by distraction.
Many people in this age group rely heavily on their phones. Whether it’s for texting, music, directions, or social media, their attention is often split between driving and other tasks. Lack of experience behind the wheel also plays a role.
What the Numbers Say
- Around 8 people die every day in the U.S. due to crashes involving distracted drivers.
- Texting while driving slows reaction time by 23%.
- A driver using a phone is 6 times more likely to crash than someone who is drunk.
- At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds is like driving 100 yards blindfolded.
These numbers show how serious the problem is and why more laws are being passed to reduce distracted driving.
Laws on Distracted Driving in Arizona
In Phoenix and across Arizona, using a phone while driving is now against the law. Since January 2021, drivers are not allowed to use handheld devices to talk, text, or scroll through social media. If you’re caught, you can face a fine, and if your actions cause a crash, the penalties get worse.
Police can stop you just for using a device, even if you weren’t speeding or breaking another rule. The goal is to reduce crashes and save lives.
How to Stay Focused on the Road
Here are a few simple tips to help avoid distractions:
- Set your GPS and music before driving.
- Keep your phone out of reach or use a “Do Not Disturb” mode.
- Finish eating or drinking before you start driving.
- Ask passengers to help with navigation or controls.
- Pull over if you need to make a call or send a message.
Even one small choice can help prevent a crash. Staying focused doesn’t just protect you—it protects everyone on the road.
Get Help If You’ve Been in a Distracted Driving Crash
If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you don’t have to go through it alone. These types of accidents are often preventable and can leave people with serious injuries, medical bills, and emotional stress. A distracted driver may be held responsible for the harm they’ve caused.
Our car accident attorney in Phoenix helps people who are recovering from crashes and need answers. We understand what you’re going through and can explain your options clearly. Call (855) 257-9467 to speak with someone about your situation today.