What Are the Most Common Types of Distractions While Driving?

Distracted driving crashes happen every day in Texas. Whether it's a driver texting on their phone, reaching for food, or turning to talk to a passenger, these actions lead to serious consequences. So, what are the most common types of distractions while driving? Texting, talking on the phone, eating, and even adjusting the radio all play a part. These distractions can cause drivers to miss stop signs, veer into other lanes, or rear-end other vehicles. For victims and their families, the aftermath can mean painful injuries, time away from work, and medical bills that keep piling up.

Texas law makes distracted driving illegal in many situations. When someone causes a crash because they weren’t paying attention, they should be held responsible. If you've been injured or lost someone in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you deserve answers. Talking to a car accident attorney near you for a free consultation can help you figure out your next steps and whether you may be entitled to compensation.

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The Three Categories of Driving Distractions

Not every distraction affects drivers the same way. Some grab your attention for a second, while others completely take your mind off the road. To better understand how these distractions lead to crashes, it's helpful to break them into three main categories: visual, manual, and cognitive.

Visual Distractions (Taking Eyes Off the Road)

Visual distractions happen when a driver looks away from the road, even briefly. Glancing at a phone screen, checking on kids in the back seat, or staring at a GPS map pulls your eyes away from traffic. This short window of time can be enough to miss a red light or not notice the car in front stopping suddenly. Looking away for just two seconds at 55 mph means traveling over 160 feet without seeing what’s ahead.

Manual Distractions (Taking Hands Off the Wheel)

When a driver takes one or both hands off the wheel, they lose some control over the vehicle. Common examples include eating, reaching for items, or adjusting the radio. A spilled drink or dropped phone might cause someone to jerk the wheel or swerve, raising the risk of crashing into another car or object. Even brief actions like turning a dial can delay a driver’s reaction when they need to stop or turn quickly.

Cognitive Distractions (Taking Mind Off Driving)

Cognitive distractions happen when a driver’s mind wanders from the task of driving. Daydreaming, getting caught up in a conversation, or worrying about something else can make drivers miss signs, drift between lanes, or react too slowly to danger. Unlike visual or manual distractions, cognitive ones may not leave any physical clues, but they can be just as risky.

Mixed Distractions

Some distractions fall into more than one category. Texting while driving, for example, takes your eyes off the road (visual), your hands off the wheel (manual), and your mind off driving (cognitive). These mixed distractions are especially dangerous because they impact driving in several ways at once, multiplying the chance of a serious crash.

Phone use behind the wheel is one of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents. Here's how different actions put everyone on the road at risk.

Texting While Driving

Texting takes your eyes, hands, and mind off driving. Even sending a quick message means looking down for about five seconds. At highway speeds, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

Making or Receiving Phone Calls

Even hands-free calls can cause cognitive distractions. Drivers get caught up in conversations and miss traffic signals, slowdowns, or pedestrians. Holding the phone makes it worse by adding a manual and visual element.

Scrolling through Instagram or posting a quick update on TikTok while driving splits your focus. Not only does it demand your attention, but it also encourages longer screen time, which means more risk of a crash.

GPS Navigation and Map Apps

Drivers rely on GPS apps to get around, but constant glancing or inputting addresses while moving can lead to accidents. Voice-activated features can help, but not every driver uses them.

Common In-Vehicle Distractions That Cause Accidents

Some of the most overlooked distractions happen inside the car.

Eating and drinking: Taking a sip of coffee or eating a breakfast sandwich might seem harmless, but these actions distract hands and eyes. If something spills, the reaction can make things worse.
Adjusting radio or climate controls: Looking away to change the station or adjust the temperature may only take a second, but that’s enough time to rear-end the car in front.
Grooming activities: Putting on makeup, combing hair, or shaving while driving creates dangerous situations. These take up both hands and a lot of attention.
Reaching for objects: Drivers digging around for their phone, wallet, or bag may twist their body and look away from the road.
Interacting with passengers or pets: Turning to talk, hand snacks to kids, or manage a restless dog often means attention shifts away from safe driving.

What Role Do External Distractions Play in Texas Car Accidents?

The road itself can also be a source of distraction. Here’s how the world outside the car creates problems.

Rubbernecking at Accident Scenes

Drivers slow down to look at crashes, emergency vehicles, or police activity. This curiosity distracts them from what's ahead and often causes secondary collisions.

Construction Zones and Road Work

Construction sites demand more attention because of detours, cones, and changing patterns. Some drivers get distracted looking at equipment or signs and miss sudden stops.

Billboards and Digital Signs

Flashing lights, changing ads, or catchy slogans grab a driver’s attention and pull their eyes off the road, especially on highways where traffic moves fast.

Rain, fog, and glare from the sun all reduce visibility. When drivers focus more on adjusting visors or wiping windows instead of slowing down, the risk of crashing increases.

Sometimes the biggest distractions are right inside the car.

Adult passengers: Talking, showing a phone screen, or arguing can make drivers lose focus.
Children: Kids often demand attention, drop items, or cry in the back seat, pulling drivers’ minds and eyes away from traffic.
Pets: A loose dog jumping from seat to seat or a cat climbing onto the dashboard adds stress and unpredictability.
Multiple passengers: The more people in the car, the more noise, movement, and distraction. Teen drivers especially struggle with keeping focus in a packed car.

How Does Texas Law Address Distracted Driving?

Texas has passed laws to reduce distracted driving. Some are statewide, while others vary by city or county.

Current Texas Distracted Driving Laws

Texas bans texting while driving. Drivers can't read, write, or send electronic messages while behind the wheel, regardless of age. Handheld phone use is banned in school zones and for drivers under 18.

Penalties and Fines for Violations

Drivers caught using their phones illegally face fines. The first offense costs up to $99. After that, the penalty jumps to $200 or more. Causing an accident while using a phone can lead to even higher penalties.

Enhanced Penalties in School Zones

Phone use in school zones brings harsher penalties. Drivers must use hands-free devices or avoid using phones altogether when children are present.

Local City Ordinances That May Apply

Some Texas cities have passed their own laws regarding distracted driving. For example, Houston Ordinance No. 2013 states: “It shall be unlawful for a person to use a wireless communication device to view, send, or create an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle upon a roadway within the city.” Violators could face citations and fines of up to $500.

What Should You Do After a Distracted Driving Accident?

What you do right after a crash can affect your health and your case.

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene

Check for injuries and call 911. If you’re able, move to a safe spot and turn on hazard lights. Don’t admit fault or make statements that could be used against you later.

Documenting Evidence of Distraction

If the other driver was holding a phone, eating, or clearly not paying attention, take note. Get photos of their car, the inside of their vehicle, and any objects that suggest distraction. Talk to witnesses who saw the crash happen.

Seeking Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Some injuries take time to show up. Medical records also help prove your claim.

Contacting Law Enforcement

Make sure police come to the scene and file a report. Tell the officer if you saw signs of distracted driving. This can become key evidence later.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Distracted Driving Victims?

An attorney can make sure you’re not left dealing with the aftermath alone.

Investigating the cause: They’ll look at police reports, photos, and videos to piece together what happened.
Gathering evidence: Phone records, eyewitness statements, and surveillance footage can prove the other driver was distracted.
Calculating full damages: You can recover medical expenses, time off work, and money for the pain and inconvenience caused by the accident.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurers often try to shift blame or offer lowball settlements. An attorney speaks up for you and demands what’s fair.
Filing lawsuits when necessary: If the distracted driver or their insurer won’t accept responsibility, the attorney can take the case to court.
Understanding Texas comparative negligence laws: Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, but your compensation drops by your percentage of fault.

Preventing Distracted Driving: Safety Tips for Texas Drivers

Taking a few simple steps before starting the engine can make the road safer for everyone.

Pre-drive preparation: Set your GPS, playlist, and climate controls before leaving. Secure items that might slide or fall.
Technology solutions and apps: Apps like DriveMode silence notifications and auto-reply to messages while you're driving.
Creating a distraction-free environment: Keep snacks, grooming tools, and loose items out of reach. Put your phone out of sight if you’re tempted to check it.
Setting rules for passengers: Ask riders to respect your focus. If you have kids or pets, plan ahead to reduce demands while driving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Distractions

How long do I have to file a distracted driving lawsuit in Texas?

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing the deadline can bar you from seeking any compensation.

Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Texas uses a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your amount gets reduced by your share of fault.

What types of evidence prove distracted driving?

Phone records, witness testimony, photos, surveillance videos, and accident reconstruction reports all help prove the other driver was distracted.

How much is my distracted driving case worth?

The value depends on the severity of injuries, medical costs, time missed from work, and how much the crash changed your daily life. Every case is different.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before reaching court, but some do go to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair resolution.

Claim or Start My Free Investigation

If you suffered injuries or losses because another driver didn’t pay attention, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone. Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers have helped countless Texas families hold distracted drivers accountable. Our team will dig deep to uncover what happened, stand up to the insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. We don’t charge any upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover money for you.

Don’t wait. Contact Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Let’s start your case and help you move forward with confidence.