New York drivers understand how dangerous the road often is. Distracted driving is one of the riskiest behaviors that drivers engage with, too. Distracted driving causes many crashes a year and a large number of fatalities.
This is because many dangerous driving behaviors fall under this umbrella. For example, drowsy driving and texting while driving are forms of distracted driving. If you’ve been injured in a car accident because of a distracted driver, contacting Anderson, Moschetti & Taffany, PLLC can be the first step towards financial recovery. Inattentional blindness may also contribute to driver distraction. But what is it?
What is the purpose of inattentional blindness?
The American Psychological Association looks into inattentional blindness and how it affects you. It is a natural phenomenon that affects every person. It is a way the brain functions on a day to day basis. Without inattentional blindness, you would not function in daily life. This is because inattentional blindness narrows your focus to the important details. This way, you do not get overwhelmed and bogged down by other, irrelevant information.
The importance of multitasking while driving
Unfortunately, all information is relevant when you are behind the wheel. Multitasking is a crucial skill for all drivers. If you do not multitask, you can end up surprised by sudden dangers on the road. This leads to a lack of proper reaction to risks. In turn, this may lead to crashes.
Getting involved in a car crash can have a severe impact on a person’s life. It is important to understand which behaviors may contribute to crashes. Unfortunately, inattentional blindness is a natural phenomenon. This makes it hard to avoid. But having awareness of it means you can adjust your driving. If you notice your attention focusing on one thing, you can react accordingly.