Three Components of Distracted Driving

Maryland-based personal injury lawyer, Rick Jaklitsch has led the Jaklitsch Law Group for more than two decades. Under Rick Jaklitsch’s direction, the firm specializes in handling claims against negligent drivers, including distracted drivers. Distracted drivers are one of the leading causes of auto accidents. Under the law, drivers are considered distracted if they engage in any of the following actions:

Remove eyes from the road: Drivers are required to focus on the road ahead at all times. Looking off to the side of the road, reading a text, or looking at a passenger are all examples of visual distractions.

Taking hands off the wheel: Both hands should be well-positioned on the steering wheel while driving. Any deviation from this position can distract a driver. The most common reasons for removing hands from the wheel include picking up a dropped item or adjusting the seat.

Losing mental focus: Driving is a cognitively demanding task, so diverting attention to other activities can contribute to an accident. Drivers can lose focus due to in-car conversations or being too tired.