You may experience manual, cognitive or visual distractions while driving on roads and highways in Indiana. A manual distraction is one that causes you to take your hands off of the steering wheel while visual distractions cause you to take your eyes off the road. Cognitive distractions such as daydreaming can make it difficult to remain focused on what is happening around you.
Examples of distracted driving
Activities such as eating, drinking or talking to passengers can make it difficult to safely operate a motor vehicle. In some cases, simply changing a radio station or programming a GPS while your car is moving can distract you from your goal of getting to your destination safely. Driving while tired, with children in your car or while using a cellphone for any reason, could also make it harder to focus on road conditions.
How to keep your focus on the road
Drivers are encouraged to put their cellphones away while their cars are in motion to reduce their chances of driving while distracted. This may be especially helpful for teen drivers who are at the highest risk of causing fatal collisions. Taking a nap before leaving home can also minimize a person’s chances of getting into a crash. Finally, it may be a good idea to eat or drink while sitting in a parking lot or after you get to your destination.
Avoiding cognitive, manual or visual distractions may make it easier to avoid being the cause of serious or potentially fatal auto accidents. Putting a cellphone away, programming a GPS before you leave home or keeping music to a reasonable volume may help you stay safe while on a road or highway. If you are hurt in an auto accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
