Drivers must ensure that they’re paying full attention to the road when they’re behind the wheel. They can’t let themselves succumb to cognitive distractions while they’re driving. This is often a challenge because cognitive distractions are often difficult to identify and minimize.
A cognitive distraction is one that shifts a driver’s mental focus from driving to something else. This can occur even if the mentally distracted driver appears to be paying attention to the road. Daydreaming, thinking about a stressful situation or even engaging in a conversation are cognitive distractions.
Common sources of cognitive distractions
Everyday activities can easily lead to cognitive distractions. For example, listening to an engaging podcast or music, even if it’s just background noise, can draw a driver’s attention away from driving. Similarly, hands-free phone calls might seem safer than handheld ones, but they still require mental energy that could otherwise be devoted to the road.
Another common source is stress or strong emotions. If a person is driving while upset, anxious or preoccupied with a personal issue, their mind is likely to drift, reducing their ability to focus on what’s happening around the vehicle.
The risks of cognitive distractions
The risks associated with cognitive distractions are significant. Even a brief lapse in attention can lead to accidents, particularly in high-speed or complex driving situations. When a person’s mind is elsewhere, they might fail to notice traffic signals, overlook changes in traffic flow or misjudge distances.
Unlike physical distractions, cognitive distractions are harder to detect because they happen internally. A driver might not even realize their attention has shifted until it’s too late to overcome the distraction. Ultimately, staying mentally engaged while driving, taking breaks when needed and avoiding stressful conversations can help reduce the risk of a crash.
Victims of distracted driving crashes that occur because of a cognitive distraction may opt to pursue compensation, but proving what happened may be complicated. Working with a skilled legal team is a good way to get started.