Why are cellphones such a dangerous distraction?

It’s clear that phones are a major distraction for drivers. This is why using handheld devices while driving has been prohibited across much of the country. Cellphone distraction is known to cause numerous accidents.

Unfortunately, it certainly still happens. Many drivers are essentially addicted to their phones and they will still use them in the car, regardless of what the law says. But why is it that this is so dangerous? Why are cellphones such a problem?

All 3 types of distraction

The major reason that cellphones are such an issue is that they qualify as all of the three major types of distractions listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These are as follows:

1. Manual distractions
2. Cognitive distractions
3. Visual distractions

While many things will only qualify as one type of distraction – such as how turning your head to talk to a passenger is a visual distraction – a cellphone checks all three boxes. Someone who is looking at the phone is certainly experiencing a visual distraction. But they’re also thinking about the person on the other end of the phone or the task they’re trying to accomplish, which is a cognitive distraction. Finally, they are holding their phone in their hand, which makes it a manual distraction.

This isn’t going to end

Cellphone use is consistent and drivers are unlikely to stop anytime soon. Because it checks all these boxes, these cellphones are going to cause car accidents every day in the foreseeable future. Those who have been injured by negligent drivers need to be sure they understand all of the legal options at their disposal.