Manual distractions occur when a driver takes their hands off the steering wheel to perform an activity that diverts attention away from driving. These types of distractions are particularly dangerous in California, where busy roads, freeways, and high-speed traffic require constant attention and control. When drivers engage in manual distractions, they reduce their ability to steer, control the vehicle, and respond to hazards.
Here are the common causes of manual distractions that lead to personal injury accidents in California:
1. Texting While Driving
- Texting is one of the most common and dangerous manual distractions. When drivers send or read text messages, they take their hands off the steering wheel to type, which increases the risk of accidents. In California, texting while driving is prohibited under California Vehicle Code (CVC) 23123, as it involves a manual distraction in addition to a visual and cognitive distraction.
- Texting also leads to visual and cognitive distractions, making it one of the most hazardous activities behind the wheel.
2. Using a Mobile Phone
- Holding a mobile phone to make a call, send a text, or use an app takes one or both hands off the steering wheel. While hands-free devices reduce visual and cognitive distractions, holding the phone still presents a manual distraction. In California, drivers are required to use hands-free devices when using a phone while driving, as per CVC 23123.5.
- The act of dialing or scrolling through the phone to select a contact or app also poses a significant risk of an accident.
3. Eating and Drinking
- Eating or drinking while driving is a frequent manual distraction. Drivers often need to take one or both hands off the wheel to hold food or a drink, which reduces their ability to react quickly in traffic or handle an emergency. This is especially common during busy commutes when drivers grab fast food or coffee.
- Spilled drinks or food may cause further distractions when the driver has to clean them up while driving.
4. Adjusting In-Car Technology (Radio, GPS, etc.)
- Adjusting the radio, changing the music, or adjusting the volume requires drivers to take their hands off the wheel. Modern vehicles are equipped with complex infotainment systems, where drivers may also need to use touchscreens or buttons to adjust settings, which diverts their attention from the road.
- Setting or adjusting the GPS system also falls under this category, as it often involves interacting with the touch screen or pressing buttons, distracting the driver.
5. Reaching for Objects
- Drivers frequently take their hands off the steering wheel to reach for items in the car. Whether it’s retrieving a dropped item, grabbing a drink, or looking for something in the glove box or center console, this type of distraction increases the chances of losing control of the vehicle or failing to respond to hazards.
- Reaching for a fallen phone, a purse, or documents can lead to crashes, especially when the driver is attempting to multitask while driving.
6. Handling Pets or Animals in the Car
- Handling or securing pets in the car is another form of manual distraction. Pets may jump into the front seat, cause a mess, or distract the driver by moving around. When drivers attempt to handle or calm their pets, they may take one or both hands off the steering wheel, significantly impairing their control of the vehicle.
- In California, pets should be safely secured in the vehicle to prevent these kinds of distractions.
7. Smoking or Vaping
- Lighting a cigarette or adjusting a vape requires the driver to use their hands, removing them from the wheel. Additionally, throwing cigarette butts out the window or handling smoking materials while driving can distract the driver, leading to accidents.
- In California, smoking inside the car with children under the age of 18 is illegal, but smoking in the car still presents significant manual distractions.
8. Engaging with Passengers
- While conversations with passengers are generally not illegal, physical interaction with passengers can lead to manual distractions. For example, a driver may take a hand off the wheel to point at something, pass an object, or hold onto a child in the backseat.
- Reaching for a child’s toy or helping a child with something can lead to dangerous driving conditions, especially in the fast-moving traffic often found in California.
9. Changing Clothes or Grooming
- Some drivers engage in activities such as changing clothes, applying makeup, or grooming while driving. These activities take the driver’s hands off the wheel and can cause distractions that lead to accidents. In California, this is both a manual and cognitive distraction.
- Changing clothes or adjusting personal items is particularly risky for drivers on long trips or when stuck in heavy traffic.
10. Fixing In-Car Items (Mirrors, Seat Adjustments)
- Adjusting mirrors or changing seat positions while driving can cause momentary loss of control of the vehicle. While these actions are necessary for comfort and visibility, making these adjustments while driving can be dangerous, especially if done without stopping the vehicle first.
Legal Consequences of Manual Distractions in California
Under California Vehicle Code:
- Texting or Using a Mobile Phone: Texting while driving is illegal in California under CVC 23123 (for adults) and CVC 23124 (for minors). Drivers who engage in texting or use their phones while driving can face fines and penalties, and if they cause an accident resulting in personal injury or property damage, they may be held liable for the damages.
- Distracted Driving Liability: California follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even if a driver is partially at fault for an accident, they can still be held liable for damages. If a driver causes an accident due to a manual distraction, such as eating or reaching for an object, they can be sued for negligence and may have to pay compensation to victims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How to Prevent Manual Distractions
To reduce the risk of accidents caused by manual distractions, drivers should:
- Avoid using mobile phones: Use hands-free devices or refrain from using the phone entirely while driving.
- Eat and drink before or after driving: Avoid eating or drinking while behind the wheel.
- Set up in-car systems before driving: Program your GPS and adjust the radio before starting your journey.
- Secure pets properly: Use pet seat belts or crates to keep pets secure during travel.
- Avoid distractions from passengers: Have conversations that don’t require physical interaction, especially when driving in complex traffic conditions.
Conclusion
Manual distractions are a leading cause of accidents in California and can have serious consequences. Whether it’s texting, eating, adjusting in-car technology, or reaching for something, taking your hands off the steering wheel reduces your control over the vehicle and increases the likelihood of a crash. In California, distracted driving is not only dangerous but also illegal, and drivers who cause accidents due to manual distractions may be held liable for personal injuries and other damages. To stay safe on the road, it’s important to minimize distractions and remain fully focused on driving. If you are involved in an accident caused by manual distractions, it’s essential to seek legal counsel to understand your rights and pursue compensation.