Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that, when driving At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for just 5 seconds (about the time it takes to read a text) is the equivalent of driving the full length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on today’s roads. As personal technology becomes more integrated into our everyday lives, many drivers are facing increased distractions behind the wheel.
Many people associate distracted driving with texting, but it includes any activity that takes your attention away from the road. The legal definition of distracted driving varies by state, but most laws recognize three main types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive.
How Is Distracted Driving Defined by Law?
In legal terms, distracted driving happens when drivers engage in any activity that diverts their attention from their primary task of operating their vehicle. Most jurisdictions classify distractions into three categories:
- Visual distractions – Anything that causes a driver to take their focus off the road. This can include looking at a phone, adjusting a GPS, or turning to talk to passengers.
- Manual distractions – Any action that causes a driver to take one or both hands off the steering wheel. Eating, drinking, adjusting a radio, or reaching for something inside the vehicle all fall into this category.
- Cognitive distractions – Mental distractions that take a driver’s focus away from driving. This includes talking on a hands-free device, daydreaming, or becoming emotionally overwhelmed while behind the wheel.
Most state laws target activities that combine multiple kinds of distractions, like texting while driving, which requires visual, manual, and cognitive engagement.
State and Federal Laws on Distracted Driving
Distracted driving laws differ by state, but many jurisdictions have strict regulations on the use of mobile devices while driving. Some states prohibit all handheld phone use, while others only ban texting.
In states with more lenient laws, drivers may still face penalties if distracted driving leads to an accident.
Federal regulations hold commercial drivers to stricter rules regarding distracted driving. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits truck drivers and bus operators from using handheld phones while driving. Violations can result in significant fines and license suspensions.
Common Forms of Distracted Driving
While texting is the most commonly cited form of distracted driving, many other activities can take a driver’s attention off the road.
Some of the most frequent distractions include:
- Phone use – Texting, scrolling social media, checking emails, or making calls without a hands-free device.
- Eating and drinking – Handling food or beverages while driving can take a driver’s hands and focus away from the road.
- Adjusting vehicle controls – Changing the radio, climate settings, or programming a GPS can cause brief but dangerous lapses in attention.
- Talking to passengers – Engaging in conversations or turning to talk to passengers in the back seat diverts a driver’s attention from the road.
- Daydreaming or drowsy driving – Losing focus due to fatigue or becoming lost in thought is a serious but often overlooked distraction.
Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving
The penalties for distracted driving depend on state laws and how severe the violation is.
In many states, committing a first offense will result in a fine, with repeat offenses carrying harsher penalties, including higher fines, points on a driver’s license, or assignment of mandatory driving courses. If distracted driving leads to an accident, drivers could also face civil liability or even criminal charges, especially if the crash results in injury or death.
In personal injury cases, proving distracted driving can impact liability and compensation. If a driver was texting or otherwise distracted at the time of an accident, they may be considered negligent, making them responsible for damages.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help explain your rights and potential compensation in these situations.
Preventing Distracted Driving
Avoiding distractions while driving is vital for staying safe on the road. Some of the best strategies to minimize distractions include:
- Using hands-free devices – If a call is necessary, using voice commands or Bluetooth technology can reduce manual distractions.
- Setting up navigation before driving – Entering a destination into a GPS before starting the vehicle prevents mid-trip adjustments.
- Pulling over when necessary – If a driver needs to send a message, eat, or handle another task, pulling over safely is the best option.
- Minimizing in-car distractions – Keeping music and conversations at a reasonable volume helps maintain focus on the road.
Distracted driving is a serious safety concern in our country, with strict legal definitions and penalties that vary from state to state. While many laws focus on phone use, distractions can take many forms, from eating to daydreaming.
At Folkman Law, we believe that understanding the legal consequences of distracted driving can help drivers make safer choices and avoid preventable accidents. Staying focused behind the wheel is the best way to protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a vehicle accident and you suspect distracted driving played a part, our experienced legal professionals can help you seek justice.
