July 24, 2025 | Car Accidents
Distracted driving is one of the top causes of car accidents in the United States. Every day, drivers across Chicago and the rest of the country take their eyes, hands, or minds off the road—often with dangerous consequences.
If you’ve ever looked at your phone, changed the radio, or eaten a snack while driving, you’ve experienced distracted driving. Understanding the different types of distractions can help us become safer drivers and protect others on the road.
In this article, we’ll explain the three main types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. We’ll also discuss how each type can lead to accidents and how to avoid them.
Visual Distractions: Taking Your Eyes Off the Road
Visual distractions happen when a driver looks at something other than the road ahead. Even a quick glance away from traffic can be risky. When your eyes aren’t focused on the road, you might not notice a stop sign, a red light, or a pedestrian crossing the street.
Some common examples of visual distractions include:
- Looking at a text message or a GPS screen
- Turning to talk to someone in the back seat
- Looking at something on the side of the road, like a billboard or an accident scene
Even just a few seconds of looking away can be enough to cause a serious crash. According to safety experts, taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds while driving at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
To stay safe, all drivers should always keep their eyes on the road. If you need to check a map or directions, pull over or use voice commands so you can focus on driving. Visual distractions are dangerous because you can’t respond to what’s happening around you when you’re not watching the road.
Manual Distractions: Taking Your Hands Off the Wheel
Manual distractions happen when a driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel. It makes it harder to control the vehicle and respond quickly to sudden changes, such as a car stopping or a person stepping into the street.
Manual distractions include:
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls
- Reaching for something in your bag or glove box
- Holding or using a phone
Chicago’s roads can be busy, and drivers often need to react quickly to traffic. Keeping both hands on the wheel helps you stay in control and avoid crashes. Even a quick motion, like grabbing your coffee or switching songs, can distract you from driving.
To avoid manual distractions, set up your music, temperature, and GPS before you start driving. If you need to do anything that takes your hands off the wheel, wait until you’re parked. Keeping your hands on the wheel at all times helps you react faster and drive more safely.
Cognitive Distractions: Taking Your Mind Off Driving
Cognitive distractions happen when a driver’s mind is not focused on driving. Even if your eyes are on the road and your hands are on the wheel, your brain might be elsewhere. This type of distraction can be just as dangerous as the other two.
Cognitive distractions can include:
- Daydreaming or being lost in thought
- Talking to passengers or on the phone
- Worrying about personal problems
- Driving while upset, angry, or tired
When your mind is distracted, you might not notice traffic signals, stop signs, or sudden movements from other drivers. You may also take longer to react to emergencies or make poor driving decisions. Avoiding cognitive distractions can be harder than avoiding visual or manual ones.
However, being aware of your feelings and focusing only on driving can help. If you’re upset or too tired to concentrate, it’s better to take a break before getting behind the wheel. Keeping your mind on the road is just as important as keeping your eyes and hands focused on driving.
Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for Help After a Distracted Driving Accident
Distracted driving is a serious danger, but it’s also preventable. By learning about the three types of distractions—visual, manual, and cognitive—you can take steps to drive more safely. Always keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind focused on driving.
Every time you drive without distractions, you help make Chicago’s roads safer for everyone. And if you’ve been hurt by someone who didn’t do the same, the Chicago car accident lawyers at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers are here to help.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Chicago, IL, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert guidance you need to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced attorneys at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We serve Cook County and its surrounding areas:
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
875 N Dearborn St 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 635-5400
Open 24/7