What is a Cognitive Distraction?

Many car accidents are caused by the “cognitive distraction” of the driver. Cognitive distraction is simply another way to describe driver inattention.

Driver inattention can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. A safe driver pays attention to the road, while, in contrast, a distracted driver literally doesn’t see what is in front of them. Paying attention to the road means paying attention to what is in front of you, what is to each side, and to what is behind you. Not paying attention to the road is negligence and can be decisive in a finding of fault for a car accident.

Examples of Cognitive Distractions

A cognitive distraction is anything that causes a driver to take their eyes off of the road. It is not uncommon to enjoy listening to a good song on the radio and sing along, and, before you know it, you are doing 85 MPH on the highway. This is a cognitive distraction. Some of the more common forms of cognitive distraction while driving include:

reading a map on one’s lap
dealing with children in the back seat
changing the station on the radio
looking at something or someone by the side of the road
looking at directions
reading while driving
dealing with an iPod, iPhone, iPad, or any other electronic device
talking on a non-hands-free phone
texting
getting something out of the glove compartment
picking up something off the floor
adjusting your seat
blowing your nose
getting something out of your pocket
getting something out of the back seat
eating or drinking

Contact an experienced distracted driving attorney

At Polito & Harrington, we offer personalized and attentive service while handling your personal injury case. Your case will be handled directly by Norwich, CT. lawyers Humbert Polito or James Harrington. You will always be able to talk with your lawyer when you need to. We will work hard to hold people responsible for injuries caused by their carelessness.

To schedule a free consultation at Polito & Harrington to discuss your distracted driving injury claim, call 1.860.447.3300.

Sources

1. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/car-accidents-cell-phones-30055.html

2. https://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=28650

3. https://traffic.findlaw.com/traffic-tickets/distracted-driving.html

4. https://www.enddd.org/research-stats/#r3

5. https://www.all-about-car-accidents.com/resources/auto-accident/after-car-accident/what-cognitive-distraction

6. https://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=31947

7. https://traffic.findlaw.com/traffic-tickets/texting-while-driving.html

8. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/cell-phones-texting-driving-state-laws-29774.html