By how much can your reaction time slow due to a distraction, increasing the chance of a crash?

Distractions can significantly impact a driver's reaction time, and studies indicate that it can indeed slow by about a half-second due to various forms of distractions, such as mobile phone use, conversation with passengers, or adjusting controls in the vehicle. A slowdown of this duration is critical because it means that the driver might not react quickly enough to avoid an obstacle or a hazardous situation. When your reaction time is extended, the likelihood of being involved in a crash increases, especially in emergency circumstances where every fraction of a second matters.

Being aware that reaction time can be impaired by such distractions helps reinforce the importance of minimizing distractions while driving. This understanding encourages drivers to take precautions, such as putting away mobile devices and focusing solely on the road, thus enhancing overall safety for themselves and others.