What is the most dangerous type of distracted driving?

There are many behaviors that constitute distracted driving, from eating and applying makeup to attending to a child in the backseat. While all of these behaviors are dangerous, one form of distracted driving rises to the top: Texting while driving.

Why is texting so dangerous?

According to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are three primary ways a driver can become distracted behind the wheel:

• Visual
• Manual
• Cognitive

Texting while driving is so dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction at the same time. By typing out a text you must take your hands off the wheel. You have to look at the text message to type or read it, taking your eyes off the road. Comprehending the message takes your mind off of driving. The combination is so dangerous that states and communities throughout the U.S. have enacted aggressive legislation to curb the practice. Nonetheless, thousands of accidents per year are caused by texting while driving.

Getting priorities straight

Studies show that sending or reading a single text message draws a driver’s attention away from the wheel for an average of five seconds. This is more than enough time for a pedestrian, bicyclist or other vehicle to cross your path. This is why that text message simply has to wait.

If you are tempted to text while driving, put the phone away and wait. It could save your life or the life of another person. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a distracted driver, explore your legal options. You deserve compensation for injuries caused by texting while driving and other forms of negligence. A skilled personal injury attorney can seek out evidence of texting while driving in cell phone logs and other sources.