That Text Message Could Distract You for Half a Minute
Although reading a text message might take only a few seconds, even one message can end up causing longer-lasting cognitive distraction. For this reason, texting and driving is one of the most dangerous activities. Someone who reads a text only when stopped at a light might nonetheless remain distracted for thirty seconds, according to recent research. The consequences are frightening.
What is Cognitive Distraction?
When people think of distracted driving, they usually think of visual distraction. Looking at a phone while your car is in motion is a common example. With your eyes on a phone, you cannot see what is happening in front of the car. Many drivers fail to see a pedestrian who jumps into traffic or a red light up ahead. Consequently, they crash into innocent people.
Another type of distraction is manual. When a person is holding two cups of coffee, they do not have a hand on the steering wheel. That would mean they cannot easily take quick defensive action, such as yanking on the wheel, to avoid a collision.
Cognitive distraction is different. A person’s eyes are on the road, and their hands are on the wheel, but their mind is elsewhere. Even if they see someone step in front of their car, they might not process the information because they are thinking about something else.
How Long Does a Text Cause Cognitive Distraction?
One study showed that a motorist can remain distracted for nearly thirty seconds after they finish reading a text message. That is five times longer than it takes to actually read the text.
For that duration of time, someone could travel the length of several football fields while they are still thinking about what they just read. Even if they are staring at the road, the motorist could still smash into a pedestrian or another car.
This study shows that even reading messages when stopped at an intersection or pulled off the side of the road does not prevent distraction. People should not read a text, at all, as soon as they put the keys in the ignition.
If you are struck by a driver, we always consider whether they are cognitively distracted. Other common distractions include a child in the backseat who is upset. The parent might be looking out at the road but still thinking about their child.
Drivers rarely admit they are on the phone. For that reason, we usually try to see their cell phone records, which might show they received a text right before the crash. We can make an argument that the motorist who hit you was still feeling the effects of cognitive distraction.
Contact Hoy Law Today
Distracted driving accidents leave many people seriously hurt. Our firm can search for evidence of whether the driver who hit you was texting and driving. Contact our Hoy Law to schedule a free consultation. A Sioux Falls distracted driving accident lawyer is available to meet to review what you remember of the accident and analyze your right to compensation.
Source:
attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/motorists-still-driving-blind-while-talking/
