Reaction times are incredibly important on the road. They play a large role in whether or not an accident takes place. This is why delays in reaction time can have catastrophic ramifications.
For example, keep in mind that passenger cars and semi-trucks have very different stopping distances. For a passenger car, it generally takes around 300 feet to come to a stop. But for a semi-truck, it could take 525 feet or even more.
Say that you have stopped your vehicle at a red light and a semi is approaching from behind. If that driver is paying attention and begins to slow the vehicle down with 600 feet to go, they’ll be able to stop in time. But if the driver is distracted and doesn’t see your car until they are within 300 feet of your vehicle, even if they slam on the brakes, it may be physically impossible for them to stop the semi before it hits your vehicle.
Driver distractions are prohibited
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits the use of handheld devices behind the wheel. But even for non-commercial drivers, California has banned activities like texting and driving. It’s critical for drivers to keep their eyes on the road so that they can react immediately to traffic conditions and avoid collisions.
Unfortunately for you, you can’t control someone else’s reaction times or their distraction levels. You may drive perfectly safely and without making any mistakes, but you could still be rear-ended by a negligent driver who wasn’t paying attention and couldn’t stop in time. If you suffer serious injuries due to their negligence, then you may need to seek financial compensation.
