Distracted driving is the cause of many accidents, injuries, and deaths every year—and each year, the number is rising. This modern epidemic is driven by a fast-paced lifestyle and constant connectivity to the outside world via technological devices. A troubling percentage of adults admit to driving distracted in the province of British Columbia, which has influenced our Vancouver BC personal injury lawyers to warn drivers against the dangers of driving while distracted.
When you are distracted, your full attention is not on the road. This leads to behaviors like inattentive driving and speeding, which endangers you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. There are three main types of distracted driving: manual, visual, and cognitive.
Visual distractions are those which cause you to take your eyes off the road. This includes texting and emailing, but it also includes reading. Looking at newspapers, letters, or maps while driving is incredibly dangerous. If you need to read something, like a text message or a roadmap, pull over safely to do so.
Manual distractions are those which cause you to take your hands off the wheel. Holding a cellphone is a prevalent example. Fiddling with a GPS or radio is another. Eating, drinking, applying make-up, or combing your hair are all manual distractions. Drivers are tempted to do these things because it saves time, and modern life moves so quickly that every minute counts. By the same token, remember—things can change in a split second on the road, and it could cost you your life. Whatever you’re tempted to do, it’s not worth the risk!
Cognitive distractions are those which cause you to take your mind off driving. Daydreaming is one example. The most common is driving while drowsy. If you are driving and feel tired—especially if you feel your eyes closing or moments slipping past you—pull over immediately. Also, driving under the influence of medications or other substances compromises your ability to make good driving judgments.
These days, the most dangerous distraction is technology. When you use a cell phone, GPS, or other device, all three types of distractions are present. It takes your eyes, your hands, and your mind off the road—and that’s when accidents happen. If you are ever involved in an accident and the other driver was distracted, it’s time to talk to a personal injury lawyer in Vancouver, BC.
Kevin Blair &
Graham Taylor
Taylor & Blair LLP
Personal Injury lawyers
1607 – 805 West Broadway
Vancouver, B.C.