Distracted Driving: Common Distractions Beyond Phones

When most people hear “distracted driving,” they immediately think of smartphones. While texting or using a phone is one of the most dangerous distractions, it’s far from the only one.

In fact, many drivers are unaware of the countless other distractions that can take their eyes, hands, or minds off the road. These distractions can be just as dangerous, leading to accidents that can have devastating consequences.

If you’ve been injured because of a distracted driver in Wisconsin, understanding the hidden dangers of distracted driving can help you hold the responsible party accountable. Here’s more on the main types of distractions drivers face and ways to keep yourself safe behind the wheel.

Hidden Dangers: Common Distractions That Cause Accidents

Traffic safety experts classify distractions into three main types:

1. Manual Distractions: When you take your hands off the wheel.
2. Visual Distractions: When your eyes are diverted from the road.
3. Cognitive Distractions: When your mind isn’t focused on driving.

Many activities involve more than one type of distraction, making them incredibly dangerous.

Eating and Drinking

Grabbing a bite to eat or sipping coffee while driving may seem harmless, but eating and drinking can be surprisingly distracting. The act of unwrapping food, reaching for a drink, or cleaning up spills takes your hands off the wheel (manual distraction) and your eyes off the road (visual distraction).

Grooming

Whether it’s checking your hair, applying makeup, or adjusting a tie, grooming while driving is another common and dangerous behavior. These activities take your hands and eyes away from the primary task of driving, making it much harder to maintain control of your vehicle.

Passengers

Driving with passengers can be distracting, especially if there’s conversation or activity in the car. Engaging in a heated conversation or turning your head to speak with someone in the back seat can lead to significant cognitive and visual distractions.

Pets

Many drivers like to travel with their furry companions, but pets can be a major source of distraction and even accidents when they’re not properly secured in vehicles. A pet that moves around freely in your car can divert your focus, block your view, or even interfere with your ability to steer or brake.

In-Car Technology

While in-car technology like GPS systems and infotainment displays can be helpful, they can also serve as major distractions. Entering a destination into your GPS or adjusting the radio requires manual, visual, and cognitive attention.

Protect Yourself and Others: Recognize Hidden Distractions on the Road

Understanding these hidden distractions is the first step toward preventing accidents. When drivers recognize how easily their attention can be diverted, they’re more likely to take steps to minimize distractions. Here’s why being aware of these distractions is essential for every driver.

The Impact of Distractions on Reaction Time and Accident Risk

Any activity that diverts your attention from driving, even for a few seconds, increases the risk of a crash. Studies have shown that distracted drivers are much slower to react to changes in traffic, such as a car suddenly stopping ahead, a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk, or debris in the road.

Unplugged Dangers

We often hear about the dangers of using a phone while driving, but the reality is that even when you’ve “unplugged,” you’re still at risk. Eating, drinking, grooming, and interacting with passengers or pets can be just as dangerous as texting or checking notifications.

Tips for Defensive Driving

1. Prepare Before You Drive: Set up your GPS, adjust your mirrors, and get comfortable before you hit the road. This way, you won’t have to make adjustments while driving.
2. Secure Loose Items and Pets: If you have pets in the car, use a pet carrier or seatbelt harness to keep them safe and prevent them from moving around. Make sure any loose items are stored so they won’t slide or shift during the drive.
3. Avoid Multitasking: Don’t eat, drink, or groom yourself while driving. If you need to do any of these things, pull over to a safe location first.
4. Limit Distractions from Passengers: If you’re driving with passengers, ask them to keep noise levels low and avoid engaging in distracting conversations. For long trips with children, plan for breaks to keep them entertained safely.
5. Stay Focused and Alert: Keep your mind on the road. If you’re feeling mentally distracted, take a break and clear your head before continuing to drive.

Laws and Regulations Regarding Distracted Driving

Like many other states, Wisconsin has laws designed to reduce distracted driving. To protect individuals from car accidents, the state has banned texting while driving for all drivers, and it’s illegal for drivers to use any electronic device while driving. These laws aim to minimize one of the most common distractions—phone use—but they don’t address other distractions like eating, grooming, or handling pets.

Free Case Reviews by an Appleton Wisconsin Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer

Injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver in Wisconsin? You may be entitled to compensation. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens start to pile up.

For help understanding your legal rights and options, contact Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers by calling us or contacting us online for a consultation with a Wisconsin personal injury lawyer. We’re here to help you throughout the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve. You only pay if we win—that’s our No Fee Guarantee®.