What Is a Manual Distraction?

Dawn Pinnisi

February 6, 2025

In the fast-paced environment of Paramus, NJ, operating a car while you are not focused is a major factor in roadway incidents. Manual distractions pose a significant risk to road safety among the various forms of sidetracked driving, but what is a manual distraction? They occur when motorists take their hands off the steering wheel to focus on other activities, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions. At Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C., we aim to educate road users about these hazards, helping them stay safe on the road. If you require legal advice on motor vehicle accidents, contact our car accident attorneys for help.

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What Is Distracted Driving and How Dangerous Can It Be?

This circumstance involves any activity that diverts attention from the primary task. The U.S. Department of Transportation categorizes distractions into visual, cognitive, and tangible. Physical interruptions, in particular, are especially perilous because they cause drivers to remove their hands from the wheel. According to the NHTSA, this situation contributed to 3,522 fatalities in 2021, many of which were caused by this type of diversion.

Despite the widespread belief that multitasking while operating a car is manageable, research demonstrates that attempting to perform it substantially heightens the risk of accidents. Even momentarily taking away your hands off the wheel can severely impair your ability to respond swiftly to road dangers.

It occurs whenever an automobile user detaches one or both palms from the steering wheel to perform a non-driving task, such as eating, texting, or adjusting vehicle controls. Unlike visual or cognitive disruptions, physical ones directly affect one’s ability to control the vehicle, making them incredibly unsafe in fast-moving traffic.

In New Jersey, using handheld devices while driving is strictly prohibited. The enforcement of this law has been instrumental in reducing manual distractions, particularly those caused by mobile phones. Given the traffic on major routes like Route 4 and the Garden State Parkway, commuters in Paramus, NJ, must be especially vigilant in avoiding these risky behaviors.

Common Examples of Manual Distractions

Car drivers encounter several frequent types of manual distractions on the road. Each poses a significant danger to safety and control:

Using a Cell Phone: Engaging in texting, dialing, or checking notifications requires users to take their hands off the wheel, diverting their focus from the road ahead.
Eating and Drinking: While grabbing a quick snack or drink may seem harmless, it can quickly escalate into a dangerous disruption, especially if food spills or requires unwrapping.
Adjusting the Radio or GPS: Tuning the radio, selecting a playlist, or programming a navigation system involves physical effort, diverting a motorist’s hands and focus away from the initial action.
Handling Objects in the Car: Reaching for an item in the back seat, adjusting climate controls, or managing other passengers in the vehicle can cause a vehicle operator to pull their hands away from the steering wheel, compromising control over the car.

Other Types of Manual Distractions

Sight-related: Anything that pulls the driver’s gaze away from the road, for example, advertisements, traffic signals, or people walking.
Thought-related: Anything that diverts the driver’s attention from the task of driving, like letting your mind wander, trying to do multiple things at once, or reading something.
Sound-related: Any noise that disrupts the driver’s concentration on driving, such as conversations on a mobile device, listening to music, or passenger chatter.

Local authorities, such as the Mount Olive Township Police, frequently remind commuters of the dangers posed by un-focused driving. They stress that any activity requiring manual input while controlling a vehicle can be life-threatening, significantly increasing the chances of car accidents. Remaining focused on the road is essential for maintaining control and preventing collisions.

Common Statistics Related to Manual Distractions and Driving

The uncertainties of these disruptions are well-supported by statistical data. According to the NHTSA, taking your hands off the wheel for even two seconds doubles the likelihood of a crash. Furthermore, they often overlap with other forms of inattentive steering, like visual and cognitive interruptions, compounding the danger.

In New Jersey, it is a major concern. Statistics reveal that 49% of motor vehicle crashes in the state involve some form of distraction. With major highways passing through Paramus and the surrounding areas, knowing the risks associated with taking one’s hands off the wheel is crucial.

Nationwide, texting while operating a vehicle exacerbates the risk up to 23 times. Similarly, eating while behind the wheel has been linked to as many as 80% of all car incidents, highlighting how threatening these intrusions can be.

Protect Yourself from Manual Distractions

Understanding the concept and its dangers is essential to driving safely in Paramus, NJ. Reaching for your phone, eating a quick meal, or adjusting the radio greatly increases your risk of an accident. You can protect yourself and others on the road by consciously keeping your hands on the wheel and avoiding non-essential tasks.

If you’ve been involved in an accident due to distracted steering, Varcadipane & Pinnisi, P.C. is here to help. Our team has extensive experience handling cases related to this topic and motor vehicle accidents. For more information, contact us at (201) 588-1500 for a consultation today.

Dawn M. Pinnisi

Dawn M. Pinnisi is a distinguished attorney with a track record of excellence in advocating for victims of injury and negligence. Dawn is a Founding Partner of the Firm, and a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Dawn has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, and has received awards from the National Trial Lawyers and Best of the Bar.

University: J.D. Brooklyn Law School

Bar Number: 33771999

Locations: New Jersey and New York.

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What Is a Manual Distraction?

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What Is Distracted Driving and How Dangerous Can It Be?