Distracted driving is a dangerous behavior that can result in car accidents, injuries and death. Distracted driving is considered any activity or behavior that the driver engages in that diverts the driver’s attention from the roadway. Unfortunately, it can include behaviors drivers engage in every day.
Distracted driving refers to three main categories, including visual distraction, manual distraction and cognitive distraction. Visual distractions refers to any activity that removes the driver’s eyes from the roadway, including adjusting a radio, operating a GPS or looking at a cell phone, among others. Manual distractions refers to when the driver removes their hands from the wheel and include eating or drinking while driving, grooming while driving or holding a cell phone, among other behaviors.
Cognitive distraction refers to when the driver’s focus and attention is removed from the roadway and can include talking to passengers and other activities. Texting while driving is considered a particularly dangerous form of distracted driving because it combines all three types of distraction and removes the driver’s eyes, hands and focus from the roadway. Texting while driving is prohibited in Tennessee. Because the consequences of distracted driving can be so serious, it is important for victims to understand the legal options available to them, if they have been harmed by a distracted driver.
Victims of a distracted driving-related car accident may be able to seek compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages suffered from the distracted driver responsible. A personal injury claim for damages can help victims with medical expenses, lost wage and pain and suffering damages, in addition to holding a distracted driver accountable, which is why victims should be familiar with their important legal protections.
Source: TNTrafficSafety.org, “WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?,” accessed on May 15, 2018
