When you are around a driver who is distracted, in most cases, you can tell they are not paying attention to driving. For example, when they are texting, talking on the phone, eating, using navigation systems, having a conversation with passengers or looking at billboards.
However, in some cases, a driver whose eyes are on the road can fail to notice a visible hazard because their attention is somewhere else. This is called inattentional blindness.
Here is how it happens:
A driver who is hyper-focused on one task may not be aware of other things happening around them. This is because their brain typically filters out visual data it deems irrelevant before it reaches conscious awareness. Consequently, they have an intense, tunnel-vision-like concentration.
That’s why a driver looking right at a hazard, such as a car slowing down, a traffic light changing or a pedestrian crossing, may fail to act accordingly. For instance, a driver who is focused on locating a specific exit or an address may miss cues, especially of things they don’t expect.
Some distractions take a driver’s mind away from the task of driving. These are cognitive distractions. Inattentional blindness is the result of cognitive distractions.
For example, a driver may read a text message at a stop sign, and still be distracted after putting the phone down. Research shows the brain can take up to 27 seconds to re-engage with driving after being distracted. This can also happen after having a hands-free phone call, using voice commands or placing a food order at a drive-thru.
Drivers must minimize distractions, stay mindful of their whole environment and get enough sleep to reduce the risk of inattentional blindness. If you believe you were injured by a negligent driver affected by inattentional blindness, legal guidance is essential in helping you receive what you deserve.
