In Illinois and in several other states across the nation, it is illegal for drivers to use their hand-held cell phones while driving. This legislation was drafted in an attempt to save lives, as more than 3,600 people died in distracted driving accidents in one year alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some drivers started using hands-free cell phones as a way to stay in compliance with the law. Although these devices are marketed as a safe alternative to hand-held cell phones, studies show that they may be more dangerous than some people think.
At Curcio & Casciato, our Chicago distracted driving accident lawyer group has extensive experience handling texting while driving accidents. To schedule a free and confidential consultation with us, please call 312-321-1111 today.
Define Cognitive Distraction
By definition, a cognitive distraction occurs when a driver’s mental focus shifts away from driving, even if their hands remain on the wheel and eyes on the road. This can include daydreaming, emotional stress, conversations, or engaging with hands-free devices that require thinking. These distractions impair attention, slow reaction time, and reduce situational awareness, making them as dangerous as visual or manual distractions.
Cognitive Distractions Take Your
Cognitive distractions take your mind off the task of driving, even when your hands are on the wheel and your eyes are on the road. These distractions include thinking about work, personal problems, daydreaming, or holding complex conversations. Unlike manual or visual distractions, cognitive distractions are harder to detect but just as dangerous. They reduce reaction time, impair judgment, and make it easier to miss hazards, signals, or sudden changes in traffic. Staying mentally focused is critical to avoiding preventable crashes.
What is a Cognitive Distraction While Driving?
A study released by AAA examined various types of distractions and their impact on drivers’ ability to operate their vehicles safely. During the study, researchers asked participants to engage in several activities while operating a vehicle equipped with monitoring devices. These tasks included the following:
- Listening to an audiobook
- Listening to the radio
- Talking with another passenger in the car
- Maintaining a conversation using a hand-held cell phone
- Maintaining a conversation using a hands-free cell phone
- Composing an email using voice-activated technology
Researchers measured the amount of cognitive distraction experienced by drivers by measuring their eye movement, brain activity, response time, and heart rate. Interestingly enough, the amount of cognitive distraction caused by using a hands-free cell phone was only slightly less than that of using a hand-held cell phone. Both generated a significant amount of cognitive distraction.
How Can You Reduce Cognitive Distractions While Driving?
To reduce cognitive distractions while driving, focus your full attention on the road by limiting conversations, silencing notifications, and avoiding multitasking. Avoid mentally engaging in activities such as phone calls, eating, or adjusting navigation settings while the vehicle is in motion. Keep your mind on driving by staying aware of your surroundings and anticipating traffic patterns. If you feel mentally fatigued or distracted, pull over safely to regroup. Staying alert and mentally present reduces the risk of missing hazards, delayed reaction times, and preventable accidents.
Cognitive Driving Distractions
When the brain attempts to focus on two complex activities at the same time, it bounces back and forth between one task and the other. This often leaves moments in time where the driver is not focused on the road at all. It is in moments like these that catastrophic injuries can occur. You could also suffer a head injury, in which case you’ll need a Chicago traumatic brain injury attorney.
If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s distracted driving, contact a Chicago car accident injury lawyer at Curcio & Casciato today!