Drivers in Tennessee might not realize how distractions can be the catalyst for a car collision. Glancing away from the road for a mere two seconds at 70 mph will lead to a driver traveling approximately 200 feet without watching where they are going. There are numerous reasons why a driver might look away including texting and driving. This might reduce the ability to anticipate and raise the risk of a car accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises that looking away from the road for any reason should not last for more than two seconds. Studies from the Research Institute indicate that those two seconds can lead to danger as it takes time for the driver to readjust to the road. It was also found that the reactions drivers exhibited when faced with hazardous and non-hazardous situations were lower when distracted for two seconds.
Drivers who took part in the test subsequently answered a questionnaire to determine whether or not they realized the dangers of looking away from the road for even a brief moment. They considered their ability to drive at 70 percent of full capacity. This suggests that drivers do not realize the dangers of failing to pay attention to the road.
When there is an auto accident and it is believed to have been due to a distracted driver, those who were hurt will likely face medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. A full investigation to find whether a driver might have been using a cellphone or was distracted in some other way can provide information as to what caused the accident and bolster a case to receive compensation.
Source: Claims Journal, " In-Vehicle Two Second Glance Increases Driving Risk: Liberty Mutual ," April 16, 2015