Types of Vermont & New Hampshire Driver Distractions

Distracted driving is a serious safety hazard. In 2008 alone, more than half a million people were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver, and nearly 6,000 people died.

Distracted driving is defined as any non-driving activity that has the potential to distract a driver from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing. While all distractions—including eating or drinking—increase a driver's chances of getting into an accident, texting while driving is the most dangerous.

According to the government website Distraction.gov, there are three types of distracted driving:

• Visual: taking your eyes off the road to look at something else
• Manual: taking your hands off the wheel to do something else
• Cognitive: taking your mind off the road to think about something else

All three of these types of distracted driving increase the risk of a car accident. The common activities that lead to distracted driving include:

• Eating or drinking
• Reading or looking at maps
• Talking/texting on a cell phone
• Talking to passengers
• Watching a video
• Grooming
• Using a smart phone or navigation system
• Changing radio stations, CD tracks, or MP3 settings

At the law firm of Van Dorn & Curtiss, we are dedicated to stopping distracted driving. If you are in a car with someone who is driving while distracted, talk to them about how to be more safe. Remember never to use your cell phone while driving, and keep your eyes, hands, and mind on the road at all times.

If you or a loved one have been the victim of an accident with a distracted driver in Vermont or New Hampshire, call the experienced Vermont car accident attorneys at Van Dorn & Curtiss. We offer a free consultation about the specifics of your case, and we can help you decide how to proceed.