Hashtags and social media posts indicate that too many motorists are more interested in creating content than driving safely. But taking pictures or video while you are driving is another dangerous form of distracted driving that can cause serious and even fatal car accidents.
Distracted driving
Drivers are not good at multi-tasking even though they engage in many activities when they are driving such as adjusting controls, eating, and using electronic devices. Taking your eyes off the road for two seconds, to answer a text or adjust your car’s music, doubles the risk of getting into an accident.
Danger is not limited to activities involving diverting your eyes. Mental distractions are also unsafe. Accidents occur when motorists do not give the road their total attention such as when they talk.
Picture-taking
A drivers taking a photograph for approximately two seconds while traveling at 60 mph diverts their eyes for 176 feet, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. This is the length of almost two basketball courts, more than half a soccer field or almost half a football field.
A driver taking a six second video diverts their full attention for 528 feet. This equals five and a half basketball court lengths, almost two soccer fields and one and a half football fields.
A motorist shooting a 15-second long video takes away their full attention for 1,320 feet. This is the same length of 14 basketball courts, approximately four and a half soccer fields or almost four football fields.
Using a dash-mounted phone, recording your voice over a video, using voice controls and other hands-free devices does not eliminate risk. Mental distractions, even thinking of setting up your next picture or video, divert your full attention from driving and your ability to act immediately in an emergency.
Distracted drivers may cause serious or even fatal accidents. An attorney can help victims of these accidents and their families seek compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and other losses.