This Article On The 27 Second Effect Research Data And Effects On Driving By Alex Carlucci Of Gustan Cho Associates
If you’re like most people, you probably need a few moments to re-establish mental focus after ending a phone call or sending a text message:
- This holds true even if you’re using a hands-free system in your car
- But what if the next task required is to avoid a pedestrian or a vehicle that unexpectedly entered your path as the traffic light you’re at turned green?
- Would you be mentally prepared to react properly?
- New scientific studies may surprise you
- A mental distraction occurs when motorists attempt to do multiple things at once while driving
- They can slow reaction times and cause inattention blindness, resulting in drivers unknowingly missing objects in the road such as stops signs, pedestrians, or other cars which can lead to a crash
- Now we see evidence that mental distractions can persist even after a distraction activity ends
In this article, we will discuss and cover The 27 Second Effect Research Data And Effects On Driving.
The 27 Second Effect And Driving
In its latest look at in-vehicle distractions, a Utah-based research team discovered that test subjects need up to 27 seconds to fully restore their mental focus on driving after ending a call or texting from voice-controlled systems in their cars.
- Researchers determined these lingering distractions called (residual costs) by measuring participant’s reaction time to potential hazards as they conducted such interactions while driving on suburban roads
At 25 mph a vehicle would travel up to 988 feet (about three football fields) before the residual costs completely dissipate.
- So while you may think it’s safe to dial or send a text at a stoplight, think again
- Distractions from these interactions are likely to persist even after the light turns green
- This new study analyzed distraction levels resulting from the use of voice-controlled information systems available in 10 vehicles and three smartphones
- Among the vehicles, the Chevy Equinox had the lowest distraction rating of (2.4), while the Mazda 6 had the highest (4.6)
- Using any of the hands-free smartphones systems to send text messages significantly increased distractions levels
Developers should aim to design systems that are no more demanding and distracting than listening to the radio.
The 27 Second Effect And Technology
And when it comes to utilizing these in-car technologies, practice does not make perfect.
- After an initial analysis, the participants kept their cars for a week before returning for the second round of testing
- Even after familiarizing themselves with their vehicles information systems, participants showed only marginal improvement in driving performance, leading researchers conclude that such distractions “cannot be practiced away”
The moral of this story is clear; keep your eyes on the road while driving, because no matter how smart you think your phone is, it could lead you to make a stupid driving decision that could be life-altering. How smart would that be?
About The Author
The 27 Second Effect was written by Alex Carlucci of Gustan Cho Associates. Alex is a senior loan officer and contributing writer for Gustan Cho Associates Mortgage And Real Estate Information Center and a moderator for Mortgage Portal. Alex is a team leader and helps FDIC Loan Officers who join Gustan Cho Associates to take and pass their national NMLS mortgage loan originator’s examination. Alex helps countless of home buyers who had prior credit issues. Alex also trains many loans officers who specializes in originating and funding FHA Loans, VA Loans, USDA Loans, and Conventional mortgage loans with no lender overlays. Alex Carlucci is an expert in real estate investing and mortgage lending as well as financial planning where he has decided to take the decades of his experience as a real estate investor and become a licensed mortgage loan originator. Stay tuned to more of Alex’s articles he will be writing and publishing on Gustan Cho Associates Commercial And Residential Mortgage Information Center.
