There are multiple types of distraction, all of which decrease a driver’s focus on the task that he or she should be devoted to: driving. If drivers are busy doing something else with their hands, looking at something other than the road, or have focused their attention on a different task, they will not be able to drive properly.

Today, there are more things than ever that can distract a driver. Cell phones, fellow passengers, the radio, and more factors both inside and outside a vehicle can become a major distraction. However, drivers must still make a choice concerning whether they will focus on the road or on a different task.

There are many different ways that distraction can lead to a crash, but each of them can cause a major or fatal accident.

If a driver is not looking at the road, he or she can travel hundreds of feet in seconds without seeing where they are going. This can lead to high-speed collisions with other cars, pedestrians, or various hazards without any accident prevention measures being taken. If a driver is not looking at the road while stopped at an intersection, he or she can cause major collisions that should have never occurred.

By not having both hands on the wheel or at the ready, drivers will not be able to properly navigate the road. This can lead to a major mistakes and collisions that should have never occurred. Additionally, they will be unable to respond to sudden hazards and prevent potential crashes.

Through simply not focusing completely on the road and the task of driving, major accidents can also occur. Reaction time is decreased, comprehension of road signs is lessened, and actions can be taken that are not right for the road and surroundings. The accidents that occur due to mental distraction can be just as severe as any other type of distraction.