Technically, anything that a driver does other than operating their vehicle is a form of distracted driving. This can even apply to simple everyday activities. Many people drink coffee during their commute, for instance, which is considered distracted driving.
As such, rather than listing different examples of distracted driving, it is often better to look at the main categories. There are three types of distracted driving, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Visual distractions
A driver who looks away from the road is visually distracted. An example of this could be looking down to pick up something that fell on the floor or looking at the screen of a cellphone.
Manual distractions
Drivers can also have manual distractions, which take their hands off the wheel. Reaching into the back seat to hand snacks to a child could be a distraction that a parent faces while driving, for instance. Another example is holding a cellphone while typing a text message.
Cognitive distractions
Finally, remember that some distractions are purely mental in nature. One example of this is daydreaming. If a driver is not thinking about the traffic around them, even when holding the wheel and looking out the front windshield, they could still be distracted and may cause an accident.
Seeking financial compensation
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver? It can happen in a split second, but it could lead to significant costs, from medical bills to lost wages. If you find yourself in this position, make sure you understand what legal options you have to seek compensation from the responsible party.