Texting while behind the wheel remains the most common reason that drivers get distracted. There are laws in Texas and around the country that prohibit it, but accidents still occur. There are several other types of distracted driving as well.
Cell phone
Texting and talking on the cell phone are two of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents. Handling a phone for only a few seconds is enough to cause a serious accident or injury.
Radio
Few people are experts on safely switching between radio channels while driving, even if they’ve done the practice for years. Using vocal commands is one feature that provides hands-free control of the radio.
Eating/drinking
Eating while driving is just as risky and dangerous as drinking alcohol while driving. In a few seconds of distraction, the most experienced drivers can lose control of their car while reaching for a bag on the floor or looking down to open a package.
Pedestrians
Looking at pedestrians while you drive by is common, but the dangers increase the longer that you look. Drivers can hit other drivers or pedestrians, drive off the road or hit objects like roadside curbs, trees or poles.
Each year, thousands of people are injured in accidents that involve distracted driving. The three most common types of distractions are visual, manual and cognitive. A driver may see a pedestrian, touch an object, such as a cell phone, or think of a distraction like an event that happened yesterday. In any case, driving while distracted is proven to increase the risks of accidents.