Driving requires full attention and coordination of cognitive, visual, and manual abilities. When any of these are compromised, the risk of an accident significantly increases. One of the most common and dangerous forms of distraction is manual distraction—any activity that requires a driver to take their hands off the wheel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines distracted driving as any activity that diverts attention away from driving. Manual distractions, specifically, involve physical actions that require a driver to remove one or both hands from the steering wheel, thereby reducing their ability to control the vehicle safely.

Common Types of Manual Driving Distractions

Cell Phone Use

One of the most dangerous and widespread manual distractions is handling a mobile device. Whether it is texting, browsing the internet, or checking notifications, using a phone while driving significantly increases the likelihood of an accident. Even voice-to-text features can be distracting, as they require cognitive focus and may involve manual corrections.

Eating and Drinking

Eating and drinking while driving requires at least one hand off the steering wheel, which can lead to slower reaction times and divided attention. Holding a sandwich, coffee cup, or soft drink reduces a driver’s grip, and spills can cause sudden panic, which can lead to abrupt swerving or braking. Unwrapping food, removing a lid, or fumbling with packaging further increases distraction. 

Adjusting In-Car Controls

Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced infotainment systems, climate controls, navigation systems, and dashboard features, many of which require manual operation. Teen drivers or others may adjust the radio, air conditioning, or touchscreen controls while in motion, taking their hands off the wheel and their eyes off the road ahead. 

Reaching for Objects

Drivers sometimes reach for items that have fallen to the floor or are stored in hard-to-reach areas, such as the backseat or glove compartment. Common distractions include picking up a dropped phone, retrieving sunglasses, grabbing a water bottle, or searching through a purse. These actions require physical movement that can cause unintended lane drifting or loss of control. 

Grooming

Many people attempt to multitask while driving, using their commute time to complete personal grooming. Applying makeup, fixing hair, shaving, or adjusting clothing all require manual engagement, reducing a driver’s ability to control the vehicle properly. These actions may involve using mirrors, further diverting the driver’s attention from the road or traffic signals. 

Interacting with Passengers or Pets

Turning around to engage in discussion while driving or tending to a child in the backseat can be incredibly dangerous. Parents may find themselves reaching back to hand a child a snack, fix a seatbelt, or calm a crying child—all of which take at least one hand off the wheel. Pets that are not adequately restrained in the vehicle can also affect the driver’s ability to stay focused. 

Smoking

Smoking while driving may seem like a minor activity, but it involves multiple manual actions that take a driver’s hands off the wheel. From reaching for a cigarette pack and lighter to lighting the cigarette and flicking ashes, each step requires a physical engagement that reduces control over the vehicle. If a lit cigarette is dropped, panic can set in, causing erratic steering, braking, or swerving. 

Handling Bags, Wallets, or Purses

Drivers may dig through their bags or wallets while at red lights, in traffic, or even while moving. Searching for cash, a toll ticket, or a debit card at a drive-thru may seem like a harmless act, but it takes both hands and eyes off the road, creating an unnecessary hazard. This movement can also shift body weight, causing unintended lane changes or swerving. 

Writing or Reading While Driving

Some drivers engage in tasks like jotting down notes, reading documents, or even filling out paperwork while behind the wheel. While this is more common among professionals who spend significant time driving, it is a dangerous distraction. Taking notes requires at least one hand off the wheel, and reading involves visual focus that should be on the road. 

The Dangers of Manual Distractions

Three major types of distracted driving include manual distractions, visual distractions, and cognitive distractions. Manual distractions pose serious dangers while driving, including:

• Reduced Reaction Time – A delay in responding to sudden changes, such as a braking vehicle or pedestrian crossing.
• Loss of Vehicle Control—Even momentarily removing a hand from the wheel can cause an overcorrection or veering off course.
• Increased Risk of Crashes – Similar to visually distracted driving, manual distractions contribute to thousands of auto crashes annually.

Tips to Minimize Manual Distractions 

• Use Hands-Free Electronic Devices: If phone use is unavoidable, utilize hands-free features like voice commands or Bluetooth-enabled devices.
• Plan Ahead: To avoid driving distractions, adjust mirrors, set GPS directions, and control in-car settings before starting your trip.
• Eat and Drink Before Driving: Try to consume food and beverages before getting behind the wheel to minimize the temptation to eat while driving.
• Secure Loose Items: Keep essential items within easy reach or adequately stored to avoid manual distractions while driving.
• Pull Over if Necessary: Before performing any action that requires taking your hands off the wheel, find a safe place to stop.
• Educate Passengers: Ensure passengers, especially children and pets, are safely secured before driving to reduce distractions.

How Our New York Car Accident Lawyers Will Liability of the Negligent Driver

Proving that a negligent driver was engaged in manual distractions—such as texting, eating, or adjusting in-car controls—requires strong, indisputable evidence. At Gray Injury Law, our experienced New York car accident lawyers will move fast to collect compelling evidence that establishes the at-fault driver’s manual distraction contributed to your car accident and injuries.

Cell Phone Records

If the negligent driver was using their phone at the time of the crash, cell phone records can serve as critical evidence. Our attorneys will subpoena these records to determine if the driver was texting, making a call, or using an app in the moments leading up to the collision. Time-stamped data from phone carriers can pinpoint precisely when the driver was engaged in phone activity.

Surveillance and Traffic Camera Footage

Many intersections, highways, and businesses have surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident. Video footage can provide clear visual proof of the at-fault driver engaging in a manual distraction, such as holding a phone, eating, or reaching for an object while driving. Our legal team will obtain and analyze available footage to support your claim.

Witness Statements

Eyewitness testimony is a powerful form of evidence in distracted driving cases. Bystanders, passengers, and other drivers may have seen the negligent driver holding a phone, eating, grooming, or engaging in other manual distractions before the crash. We will collect detailed witness statements to strengthen your case.

Police Reports

Law enforcement officers responding to the scene may document observations of distracted driving behavior in their official accident reports. Suppose the officer cited the other driver for distracted driving or noted behaviors like holding a phone, dropping an object, or eating. In that case, this report about the vehicles involved could serve as strong supporting evidence.

Black Box (Event Data Recorder) Information

Many modern vehicles are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), commonly known as “black boxes.” These devices record critical driving data, such as speed, braking patterns, and steering inputs, in the moments before an accident. If the data shows that the at-fault driver failed to brake or made erratic movements, it can indicate they were distracted and not entirely in control of their vehicle.

Expert Testimony

Our legal team works with accident reconstruction experts and forensic specialists who can analyze the evidence and provide expert testimony. These professionals can reconstruct the crash scene, evaluate driver behavior, and explain how manual distractions led to the collision. Their testimony can be vital in proving negligence in court or during settlement negotiations.

Dashcam Footage

If you or another driver involved in the accident had a dashboard camera, the footage could provide undeniable proof of distracted driving. Dashcams may capture the at-fault driver holding a phone, eating, or engaging in another manual distraction, making it difficult for them to deny liability.

Vehicle Interior Photos

If possible, taking photos of the at-fault driver’s vehicle interior immediately after the crash can be helpful evidence. Images showing an open fast-food bag, spilled coffee, an unsecured phone, or other items that indicate manual distraction can support your claim. Our attorneys will work to secure any relevant photographic evidence.

Social Media and App Usage Logs

If the negligent driver was using social media, posting updates, or interacting with mobile apps while driving, this information can be used as evidence. Our legal team can investigate their social media activity, app logs, and GPS data to determine whether they were distracted at the time of the crash.

Get Strong Legal Representation from Our Proven Car Accident Attorneys

Proving that a negligent driver’s manual distractions caused your accident requires a strong legal strategy and aggressive evidence collection. At Gray Injury Law, we are committed to uncovering the truth and holding distracted drivers liable for maximum damages. 

If you were injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, reach out to our New York car accident lawyers today. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 212-537-7000 or contact us online.