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Disadvantages Of Distracted Driving

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Everyone knows you shouldn’t drive distracted. Looking down for even a second while eating, adding condiments to your hotdog, changing the song on your playlist or occasionally checking your text messages could result in lifelong injury or even death. Although, how serious is this in the modern day world? With hands free calling and other technological advances, is distracted driving not as big of an issue as it was 10 or maybe even 20 years ago? Distracted driving happens when a person is operating a vehicle and partakes in a different activity that divides his/her attention. This usually happens when someone is using an electronic related device. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other agencies there are three specific subtypes of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. (Distracted Driving, 1). Visual distractions occur when a driver takes his or her eyes off the road. Manual distractions occur when a driver takes his or her hands off the steering wheel, and cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s focus and/or attention are divided between driving and other tasks. (Distracted Driving, 1) Texting and driving ensues all 3 of these distractions. First, visually when you first receive the incoming message and your phone lights up, causing you to take your eyes off the road and look to see who it’s from. Then, manual the act of picking up your phone to respond, moving your hands off the wheel to partake in a different

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