Texting and driving is an all-too-common issue on the roads, even when it is expressly prohibited and even when drivers understand that it is dangerous. Many people feel compelled to check their notifications anytime their phone buzzes or chimes, and society often expects people to answer text messages right away.
To get around this societal pressure, some people decide that they are going to text if they are at a red light. This way, they are not holding the phone in their hand or looking down while they are driving the car. They are just taking a moment while they are stopped to see if they have any new text messages. Does this actually keep them safe and prevent accidents?
The driving distraction lasts for another 27 seconds
No, this is not an activity a driver should engage in. It makes sense why they think it is safer, but the important thing to remember is that the mental distraction does not end when the light turns green. Studies have found that it still lasts for another 27 seconds.
When someone is sitting at a red light, they still need to be engaged with the task of operating their vehicle. They should be watching other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in the crosswalk. They should be thinking about how to proceed safely once the light does change. If someone is instead engrossed in their text messages and staring at their phone, they are still cognitively distracted as they start driving again.
Issues like this are part of the reason why distracted driving accidents happen every day. Those who have suffered serious injuries must know how to seek appropriate financial compensation.
