When behind the wheel, each driver’s main priority should be to focus on the task at hand. This includes focusing on the road, driving safely and following the rules of the road. Unfortunately, many drivers do not take this responsibility seriously, and it can result in dangerous consequences for others on the road. Distraction is a serious problem on Texas roads, and it is the cause of many different accidents across the state.
There is no single type of distracted driving. It can take many different forms, including texting, scrolling social media, adjusting the radio and even putting on makeup. Despite what many drivers assume about their capabilities, it is dangerous to do anything while also driving. Even one second of inattention can result in an accident that can leave an innocent individual injured or killed.
Makeup and other distractions
Distracted driving includes anything that takes a driver’s attention, even for a second. While it may seem like a harmless activity, this also includes putting on makeup. In many places, using a phone while driving is illegal, but it is not technically illegal to put on makeup while behind the wheel. However, that doesn’t make it safe, either. Putting on makeup can lead to the three types of distraction, which are cognitive distraction, manual distraction and visual distraction. Technically, police may pull over a driver for any dangerous behavior, including grooming.
Cognitive distraction affects the brain, while manual distraction involves any activity that requires a driver to remove one or both hands from the wheel. Visual distraction is removing eyes from the road. Putting on makeup can involve all three types of distraction, which can be just as dangerous as typing a text or using a phone while driving. Each driver is responsible for the choices that he or she makes while behind the wheel, including doing something that causes preventable harm to someone else.
Are you the victim of a distracted driving accident?
If you are suffering after an accident caused by a distracted driver, there are options available to you. You may be able to seek compensation and justice through a civil claim, a process that may allow you to recoup your financial losses after a serious accident. You may benefit from seeking an understanding of your legal options as soon as possible after a motor vehicle collision.