Distracted driving happens when anything takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Even a quick glance at a phone, a snack in hand, or a deep conversation can turn a routine trip into a life-changing car accident. Let us walk you through the different types of distractions and their consequences so you can make safer choices behind the wheel.
What Counts as Distracted Driving?
Any activity that pulls your eyes, hands, or mind off driving is a distraction; this category can include obvious behaviors like texting or making phone calls, but distraction can also extend to eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, using navigation systems, grooming, and even chatting with passengers. Modern vehicles come equipped with numerous electronic features that can tempt drivers to multitask, from entertainment systems to climate controls that require visual attention to operate.
Why Is It So Risky?
When your focus drifts, your reaction times can slow dramatically. In just a few seconds of distraction, a car traveling at highway speeds can cover the length of an entire football field without the driver looking ahead. And during those crucial moments, anything can happen—a child could run into the street, traffic could come to a sudden stop, or road conditions could change. Your brain simply cannot process information effectively when it is divided between multiple tasks.
How Common Is Distracted Driving?
Every day, hundreds of thousands of drivers use devices while behind the wheel, and thousands of crashes involve distractions each year. Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of collisions nationwide, with younger drivers particularly at risk—and the problem has worsened significantly with the widespread adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices. Many drivers underestimate how frequently they engage in distracted behaviors; we have become so accustomed to multitasking that we do not recognize common dangers.
What Types of Distractions Should I Watch For?
There are four main types of distractions drivers face daily:
- Visual distractions occur when you take your eyes off the road to look at something else: a text message, a GPS screen, or an accident on the roadside.
- Manual distractions happen when you remove your hands from the steering wheel to perform other tasks like eating, drinking, or reaching for items.
- Cognitive distractions cause your mind to wander from driving, such as during intense conversations or while daydreaming.
- Auditory distractions include loud music, phone calls, or other sounds that prevent you from hearing important traffic cues.
The most dangerous activities, like texting, combine multiple types of distraction simultaneously.
What Laws Apply in New Jersey?
New Jersey maintains strict distracted driving laws that ban all handheld phone use while driving. The state imposes escalating fines for violations, starting at $200–$400 for first offenses, increasing to $400–$600 for second violations, and reaching $600–$800 for third offenses. Repeat offenders face heavier penalties, including points on their license and possible license suspension for 90 days. These laws apply to all drivers, with special restrictions for commercial drivers and those with learner’s permits.
How Can I Avoid Distracted Driving?
Stow your phone in a place where you will not feel tempted to reach for it, set your GPS destination, adjust mirrors and seats, and choose your music playlist. If you need to make a call or send a message during your trip, pull over safely to a parking area or let a passenger help. Consider using apps that block notifications while driving, and always remember that no text or call is worth risking your life or the lives of others on the road.
Contact the Monmouth Car Accident Lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova, LLC if You Suffered Injuries That Resulted From a Distracted Driver
If you sustain an injury because of a distracted driver, trust the Monmouth car accident lawyers at Mikita & Roccanova, LLC to guide you through the legal process. Through our nearly 30 years of experience, we have secured significant recoveries for injured clients, including a $29.6 million settlement for the Pier 34 collapse and multi-million-dollar verdicts in traumatic brain injury and auto accident cases. For a free consultation, call today at 732-705-3363 or contact us online. With office locations in Hazlet and Highland Park, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients in Ocean County, Sussex County, Neptune, Middlesex County, and Pennsylvania.