Common Types of Distracted Driving

November 25, 2025 | Car Accidents

Distracted driving is a serious issue here in Colorado and across the country. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off the task of driving, the risk of a crash goes up dramatically. For people injured in such crashes, it’s important to understand how distraction plays a role.

This article explains the common types of distracted driving in clear, simple language and outlines why they are important.

Understanding What “Distracted Driving” Means

Distracted driving is any activity that pulls attention away from the primary task of driving safely. A driver may look away, reach for something, or become mentally absorbed in something else, and all of these actions can be dangerous. In Colorado, as in other states, a distracted driver can be held liable for a crash that causes injury or damage.

It is helpful to break distracted driving into three core categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. Each one describes how attention is diverted. Understanding these main types helps us see why certain behaviors are so risky.

Visual Distractions: When Eyes Leave the Road

A visual distraction means taking your eyes off the road ahead. This could be a quick glance at your phone, checking a GPS screen, looking back at the children, or even staring out the window at something outside the car. Even a few seconds of visual distraction can make the difference between avoiding a hazard and crashing.

Manual Distractions: When Hands Leave the Wheel

Manual distractions are actions that cause the driver to remove one or both hands from the steering wheel. When your hands are not fully in control of the vehicle, you might not be able to steer or brake quickly when needed. Examples include eating or drinking, adjusting the radio or climate controls, reaching into the passenger seat or back seat, or using a handheld device.

Cognitive Distractions: When the Mind Wanders

Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s mind is not fully focused on driving. Even if the driver’s eyes are on the road and their hands are on the wheel, mental distraction can delay decision-making. This includes daydreaming, being lost in thought, talking on a hands-free device about something emotional, or even being tired or upset.

Common Examples of Distracted Driving

Here are some of the more common distractions that involve one or more of the above types of distracted driving:

Smartphone use: Texting, checking apps, making video calls (can involve visual, manual, and cognitive distractions all at once)
GPS or navigation system adjustments: Looking at the screen (visual), touching controls (manual), thinking about the route instead of traffic (cognitive)
Eating or drinking while driving: Hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, mind focused on food instead of driving
Talking to passengers or caring for children/pets in the car: Eyes may move away, hands may reach back, brain may shift to conversation or caregiving instead of driving
External distractions: Looking at billboards, rubbernecking at an accident, and being distracted by loud music or podcasts

Each example illustrates how multiple distraction types can overlap, thereby increasing the risk. Understanding these examples helps identify risky behavior before a crash happens.

Contact Our Denver Car Accident Lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Distracted driving is not just one thing. It’s visual, manual, and cognitive distractions that grab our attention when we should be driving. By understanding how each type works, drivers in Colorado can identify risky behaviors, change habits, and reduce the chance of causing or becoming a victim of a crash.

For those injured by a distracted driver, understanding these types helps explain what went wrong and how you may be able to recover. Keep your focus sharp, your hands steady, your mind clear—and stay safer on the road. Call Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our Denver car accident lawyers if you need help.

We are located in Denver, CO, proudly serving all of Denver County.

Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers 
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706

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