Briefly taking their eyes off of the road is risky to motorists

On behalf of Aiken and Aiken P.C. Personal Injury Attorneys posted in Car Accidents, on Thursday, April 23, 2015

Massachusetts drivers may want to learn more about new research that indicates even a two-second glance away from the roadway could increase the risk of a crash. The study was released by the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety in April to coincide with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The Research Institute used eye-tracking devices and driving simulators to monitor the reaction time and performance of experienced drivers as they faced various driving scenarios. The results showed that a two-second visual disruption reduced the ability of drivers to react to potential hazards compared to drivers who were not interrupted. Following the simulation, participants in the study were asked to fill out a self-evaluation of their driving performance. The average rating distracted drivers gave themselves was 70 out of 100, which indicates they may not have realized the full impact the distractions had on their driving performance. The findings suggest that the two-second glance limit recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is too liberal. A representative for Liberty Mutual Risk Control Services said it is important for the general public to be made more aware of dangers of distracted driving so they can be motivated to reduce hazardous behaviors on the road. Distracted driving causes thousands of serious motor vehicle accident injuries every year, including those to the brain, spinal cord and back. Anyone who has been hurt in a wreck caused by a distracted driver may benefit by speaking with an attorney. Depending on the specifics of the incident, a successful personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver may result in the recovery of medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost wages and other damages. Source: Claims Journal, “In-Vehicle Two Second Glance Increases Driving Risk: Liberty Mutual,” April 16, 2015