Drivers are often aware that using their phones behind the wheel is both illegal and dangerous. It creates a significant driving distraction and increases the odds of an accident. A driver who is looking down at their phone simply can’t pay attention to the road to operate their vehicle safely.
To counter this risk, many drivers will use their phones at red lights or stop signs. When it is time to drive again, they simply set the phone down. They believe that this is safe and they think that it eliminates the distraction. However, studies have found that this is not precisely true.
The distraction continues for about half a minute
What studies find is that drivers tend to be distracted for the next 27 seconds, on average, after they put their phones down. They believe that the distraction has ended, but they still make critical mistakes.
Part of the reason for this is that drivers can still be cognitively distracted. If the driver was reading a text message at a red light, they may still be thinking about the contents of that message when the light turns green. They put the phone down, but the mental distraction remains.
Another part of the issue is that these drivers aren’t paying attention while they are stopped. If the driver was looking at the road instead of their phone, they may see a pedestrian enter the crosswalk, for example. But if they simply put the phone down and start driving, they may not yet be fully aware of their surroundings.
Seeking compensation
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver? If so, you need to know how to seek financial compensation. Legal guidance can help.