Distracted driving involves any activity that diverts the motorist’s attention away from safely operating the vehicle. It can involve manual, visual, or cognitive actions that take your eyes or attention off the road ahead. Additionally, it can involve taking one or both hands off the steering wheel.
If another driver’s reckless actions caused you harm, you could hold them accountable with the help of an experienced car accident attorney. Contact us at Fredson Statmore Bitterman, LLC to schedule a free consultation with our seasoned car accident attorneys and learn more about distracted driving car accidents in Piscataway.
What Are Cognitive Distractions?
Cognitive distractions are anything that preoccupies the driver’s mind, diverting their attention away from driving safely. Driving requires alertness and sharp mental focus at all times.
Unlike visual or manual distractions, which take your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel, cognitive distractions are mental. They can occur even when you are looking at the road, which is a phenomenon often called mental autopilot. Some examples of cognitive distractions that involve multitasking, planning, and diverting your awareness away from driving include the following:
- Talking on the phone, even while doing so hands-free
- Having deep discussions or arguments with passengers, particularly on emotional or stressful topics
- Listening to complex audio and daydreaming
- Using in-car infotainment systems
- Eating and driving
Cognitive distractions can impair your reaction time, decision-making, and hazard detection because your brain cannot fully process other mental demands while you are driving.
Visual Distractions
Visual distractions happen when something causes you to look away from the road, even if only for a short time. Without looking at the road, you cannot adequately monitor surrounding traffic or watch for traffic signs, signals, and hazards.
This type of distraction can cause you to miss a pedestrian or a cyclist nearby, which could have deadly consequences. Examples of visual distractions include reading a text, adjusting the radio, and looking at an accident on the side of the road.
Manual Distractions
Manual distractions are tasks that cause you to take one or both hands off the steering wheel. Some examples include reaching for objects in the car, grooming, and handing something to other passengers. Manual distractions can directly affect your steering, braking, acceleration, and reaction time, all of which are essential for safely navigating roadways.
Unfortunately, car crashes involving distracted driving are common in Piscataway. However, you have the right to pursue compensation if you suffer harm as a result of someone else’s negligence.
State Distracted Driving Laws
The state enforces some of the strictest distracted-driving laws in the United States, and the laws primarily target smartphone use. Using your smartphone while driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors because it can involve all three types of driver distraction.
Under New Jersey Statutes § 39:4-97.3, it is unlawful for anyone to use a handheld cell phone while operating a moving vehicle on any of the state’s public roads. However, hands-free operation is typically allowed, provided it does not interfere with safely operating the car. Violations of this law are primary offenses, and police officers can pull you over if they suspect you are using a handheld device. If a distracted driver caused you injuries in a Piscataway accident, our skilled lawyers could help you obtain a fair settlement.
Call a Seasoned Attorney for Help After a Piscataway Distracted Driving Car Accident
Distracted driving car accidents in Piscataway are a serious matter. Whether cognitive, visual, or manual, driver distractions are hazardous and constitute a substantial public safety threat. This type of behavior is a primary cause of car crashes, and even a brief distraction can have severe and deadly consequences.
Contact our office to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury lawyers if you need help obtaining compensation after a distracted driver wreck.
