While many drivers in Arizona and elsewhere may be aware of the risks of using a cell phone while behind the wheel, they may feel that such action is relatively safe with the use of a hands-free device. While such devices may help reduce the risks of certain visual and manual driver distractions, the same might not be true for cognitive hazards. Understanding the impact cognitive distractions could have on one’s safety could be integral to reducing distraction-related car accidents by highlighting the possible dangers of using hands-free devices.
Cognitive hazards
According to studies, virtually anything that takes up a portion of a driver’s attention and removes it from the task at hand while driving constitutes as a distraction. Even with a hands-free device, talking on the phone still requires some level of concentration and causes a divide in one’s attention. If such a device is capable of reading out a text message, the driver may still be left processing the information and contemplating how to reply.
Studies indicate that the human brain simply is not capable of performing more than one task at a time without suffering a divide in attention. As one’s focus shifts back and forth from a conversation to the road ahead, response times may decrease, and drivers may simply be unable to fully process all the information in front of them. While the use of hands-free devices is legal, that does not necessarily mean that it is a safe alternative.
Injured in a crash
Individuals in Arizona who suffer life-altering injuries in car accidents involving distracted drivers could experience a multitude of hardships in life. Following the incident, a person might choose to seek insight on the available options for legal recourse by consulting with a personal injury attorney. Such guidance could prove integral to helping a person better prepare to pursue the restitution entitled through the proper outlets and focus on entering the recovery period with peace of mind.
