Ubers and Distracted Driving Categories
The rise in rideshare usage has also led to an increase in car accidents involving these vehicles, and a significant contributor to these accidents is distracted driving. As is true with any auto accident, understanding the different categories of distractions is part of staying safe when traveling in Florida.
After an Uber or Lyft crash in connection with manual, visual, or cognitive distraction, know there are professionals to guide you through the recovery process. If you or someone you care about has been affected by a rideshare collision, seek help from a knowledgeable Boca Raton personal injury lawyer.
Manual Distractions
When a driver takes their hands off the wheel, they are engaging with a manual distraction. For Uber and Lyft drivers, this can happen frequently due to the nature of their work. Common manual distractions include:
- Using a mobile device. Even with hands-free devices, drivers may need to adjust their phone or input destinations into a GPS, taking their hands off the wheel momentarily.
- Handling objects. Picking up items such as a drink, adjusting the radio, or reaching for something in the car can lead to manual distractions.
- Passenger interactions. Engaging with passengers, especially if they are providing directions or engaging in conversation, can also cause a driver to momentarily remove their hands from the wheel.
All manual distractions reduce the driver’s control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of accidents. In rideshare scenarios, where drivers frequently interact with their phones and passengers, the likelihood of manual distractions is significantly higher.
Visual Distractions
Drivers must keep their eyes on the task of driving, and visual distractions disrupt sightlines Common visual distractions rideshare drivers engage with:
- GPS and maps. Constantly glancing at GPS devices or maps to find passengers and navigate to destinations can divert the driver’s attention from the road.
- Phone screens. Reading messages, notifications, or app updates while driving diverts the driver’s visual focus.
These types of distractions are dangerous as they prevent the driver from noticing road hazards, traffic signals, and other vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions.
Cognitive Distractions
For rideshare drivers, the constant demand for attention and multitasking can lead to cognitive overload. Common cognitive distractions:
- Engaging in conversations with passengers or on the phone can divert the driver’s mental focus from driving.
- Stress and fatigue. Long hours, difficult passengers, and the pressure to meet ride quotas can lead to mental fatigue, reducing the driver’s concentration.
- Managing the Uber app, navigation, and passenger interactions simultaneously can overwhelm the driver’s cognitive capacity.
Cognitive distractions are subtle yet dangerous, as they impair the driver’s decision-making ability and reaction time.
Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes, and Uber drivers are particularly susceptible due to the demands of their job, which often require simultaneous navigation, communication, and interaction with passengers. Following an accident, a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer can thoroughly investigate the accident, gather evidence, and fight for a fair settlement.
Are you in need of accident recovery funds after a rideshare accident in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach? Talk to the talented injury lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez, call 561-660-9421.
