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What are some elements that cause distracted driving?

On Behalf of | Apr 20, 2023 | Personal Injury

Distracted driving is a concept that most drivers are familiar with, and the activity leads to many motor vehicle accidents in the United States each year. There are numerous ways that drivers can become preoccupied with something else while behind the wheel and stop paying attention to the task at hand.

What are some elements that can cause distracted driving in Connecticut?

Audible distractions

Many people enjoy listening to music to keep them occupied during a long drive, which is not generally a problem. However, it can become a problem if the driver plays the music at such a high volume that they start to lose focus on their surroundings. Screaming children and arguing passengers can also become auditory distractions. In addition, notifications, such as a text message ping, are a form of audible distraction that can quickly become a visual distraction.

Visual distractions

A visual distraction occurs when something catches the motorist’s eye for long enough to take their attention away from the road. For example, if a driver reads a text message after hearing a ping on their phone, that message becomes a visual distraction. Things outside of the vehicle, such as interesting buildings or signs, can also serve as a distraction. Drivers should constantly scan what is around them; however, they should avoid staring at one particular object for too long as this causes them to avert their attention away from the road.

When drivers are aware of everything that can cause interruption, they can be more proactive when it comes to avoiding those sources of distraction.