When a driver decides to use their phone while the car is in motion, they’re clearly distracted. They might be reading a text message or browsing social media. Some drivers get distracted while reading a GPS or choosing a song to stream over the car stereo. It’s always best for drivers to set up their devices before pulling out of the driveway – and then leave their phones alone while driving.
However, some drivers feel they have to use their devices in the car, so they attempt to stay “safe” by only using the phone at red lights or other traffic stoppages. As long as they’re driving, they keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. But they’re quick to pick up their phone at a red light or when traffic backs up to check their notifications.
They believe this means they aren’t engaging in distracted driving. But is that actually true?
27 more seconds
No, distraction is not quite that simple. In fact, studies find that distraction lasts for about 27 seconds after someone sets their phone down. That driver is still suffering from some level of distraction.
For example, a driver may be reading a text message from their boss. When the light turns green, they drop the phone on the seat and start driving. But they’re still thinking about what their boss said in the text or what they want to write back. This is a cognitive distraction.
On top of that, they haven’t been visually aware while looking at their phone. They may be unaware of hazards like pedestrians in the crosswalk or other vehicles. If they had been paying attention during the red light, they could drive safely when it turned green. But because they were distracted, their focus didn’t fully return for nearly half a minute.
This is part of the reason why accidents at intersections are so common. Even if you don’t use your phone while driving, you could still be hit by a distracted driver. Be sure you know what legal options you have when seeking financial compensation
