We all know that driving a car in Arizona requires one’s full attention; since it takes one’s judgment and motor skills to navigate traffic and obstacles on the road. However, the reality is that sometimes things may take a driver’s attention from the road. Some interruptions are natural, such as checking a blind spot before changing lanes or looking both ways before crossing into the street.
Nevertheless, there are some distractions that may put a driver in danger. Indeed, we have written a number of posts on the dangers of distracted driving, but a recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that looking away from the road for two seconds or more could be hazardous.
When you consider how far a car can travel in the seconds a driver looks away from the road, the implications are startling. At highway speeds, a car can travel nearly half the length of a football field. This could severely limit a driver’s ability to respond to hazards; especially those that won’t be seen while a driver’s eyes are diverted from the road.
Essentially, the study is another reminder of a driver’s responsibility to use reasonable care while behind the wheel and do their best to limit distractions. If a driver does not use such care and accident occurs because of it, he or she could be held liable for the ensuing injuries. This means that injured parties could seek money damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages among other damages.