Distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of auto accidents.

Thousands of drivers suffer from distracted driving accidents every year, and this number is only increasing. Distracted driving usually happens in three ways:

• Visual: A driver looks away from the road, making it hard to spot vehicles and pedestrians
• Manual: A driver takes their hand off the wheel, reducing their chances to react to obstacles to avoid accidents
• Cognitive: A driver is thinking about something that might impair their focus on the road

An auto accident could happen just seconds after a driver becomes distracted. There are many simple things that drivers do that lead to distracted driving accidents. Here's what you should know:

3 causes of distracted driving

Distracted driving happens more often than people realize. Here are three common causes of distractions while driving:

• Phones: One of the most common causes of distracted driving is texting and driving. Drivers may hear their phone chime when they get a notification, which can cause them to reach for their phone and focus more on calling or texting someone back. Phone addiction may also increase distracted driving.
• Food: Any driver can quickly drive through a fast food restaurant for a quick, hot meal. However, many drivers are tempted to eat while they drive. As a result, a driver may focus on eating a hot meal rather than on the road.
• AC and radio: Every car has an AC and radio, but most drivers don't realize the danger these systems can pose. A driver may change the setting of their AC or radio while driving, which can draw their attention away from the road.

Distracted driving can lead to severe injuries and losses. Victims may need to learn about their legal options if they're seeking compensation.