Scanning the road at least 12 seconds ahead can help you avoid collisions. You can see upcoming obstacles and have ample time to react to changes in the road. Staying alert and aware on the road not only protects you from car accidents but also keeps other drivers and pedestrians safe.
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What Is the 12-Second Rule?
The 12-second rule is meant to help keep people safe when driving. To apply the 12-second rule, you should scan the road at least 12 seconds ahead of wherever you are on the road. That doesn’t mean you should scan for at least 12 seconds – it means you should always remain aware of the spot your car will occupy 12 seconds from now at your current speed.
What Are the Advantages of Using the 12-Second Rule When Driving?
A crucial aspect of safe driving is awareness of the entire space around your car, including the front, rear, and sides. Following the 12-second rule keeps you constantly aware of your surroundings so you can react quickly enough when something changes.
Zooming out can give you a clearer picture of your surroundings and environment. Every driver knows that circumstances on the road can change in an instant. Scanning 12 seconds ahead on the road keeps your perspective broader, can help prevent a costly accident, and can save your or your passengers’ lives.
Staying aware of your surroundings also makes driving less stressful. Driving can be frustrating because of traffic, inattentive or angry drivers, and poor road conditions. Staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings will reduce anxiety and frustration when you’re behind the wheel.
What Distance Does the 12-Second Rule Translate to When Driving?
The distance covered by the 12-second rule depends on your driving speed and surroundings. In the city, 12 seconds is about the length of a single city block. On the highway, 12 seconds equals about a quarter mile. In other words, the faster you are going, the further ahead you need to scan.
Pick a car and a fixed object in front of you that is large and noticeable, like an overpass or highway sign. Start counting when the car in front of you passes the object, and stop counting when you pass the object. Make sure you don’t take your attention off other parts of the road when counting. If it took less than 12 seconds, then you need to be scanning further ahead on the road.
You might think you can be more attentive by scanning further up the road than 12 seconds. However, scanning too far ahead can cause you to miss other hazards closer to your current position. You shouldn’t watch the road either too near or too far from where you currently are.
What Should You Be Looking for When Scanning the Road Ahead?
The 12-second rule doesn’t mean you should always keep your eyes glued to only the road ahead of you. You should be looking for anything in your environment that you might have to react to when driving, which can include:
- Stopped and slow-moving vehicles
- Pedestrians
- Vehicles turning ahead
- Upcoming turns or merging lanes
- Traffic lights and warning signs
- Construction sites
- Potential road hazards (e.g., potholes, stones, animals, etc.)
Douglasville sits right next to I-20 and the bustling Atlanta metro area, which receives a substantial amount of daily traffic. In such a busy environment, even a single second of extra reaction time can mean the difference between a near miss and a serious accident.
Are There Other Driving Habits That Can Help Keep You Safe?
Safe driving isn’t just a singular task – it’s the result of several smart behaviors and habits. Following these tips in addition to the 12-second rule can help you stay safe and in control while on the road.
- Don’t engage in distracting behaviors, like eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or applying makeup.
- Keep both hands on the wheel at all times while the vehicle is on and in motion.
- Don’t speed. Speeding can get you a ticket and is responsible for nearly a quarter of fatal car accidents in Georgia annually.
- Don’t use your mobile device while driving. Handheld cell phone use while driving is not only dangerous and irresponsible, but it is also illegal in Georgia.
- Drive according to weather conditions. If it is raining, snowing, or extremely windy, lower your speed below the posted limit.
- Use the 3-second rule. You should keep at least three seconds of distance between you and the nearest car in front of you.
- Don’t drive when you are tired. Driving while drowsy is another major cause of accidents and traffic fatalities.
- If you are driving with children, make sure they are properly seated and restrained before moving.
- Always wear your seatbelt, even if you are only driving a few miles. According to a study in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, over half of all fatal car accidents happen within five miles of the home.
- Adjust your seat and mirrors before the vehicle starts moving. Making adjustments while driving is an unnecessary distraction.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
The 12-second rule is straightforward but highly effective at helping you stay safe when driving. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen, even if you follow the 12-second rule and take every precaution on the road.
If you’ve been injured in a collision caused by someone else’s wrongdoing in Douglasville, contact the experienced car accident lawyers of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. today for a free consultation. Our team has been serving injury victims in Georgia for over 30 years, and our attorneys have nearly eight decades of combined experience. We have recovered millions for our clients, including $1.68 million for a distracted driving crash. Clients describe us as “nice and warm,” “down to earth,” and “very helpful and friendly.”
Our dedicated lawyers handle every part of your claim ─ including monitoring your medical treatment, communicating with insurance companies, negotiating a fair settlement, and arguing your case in court if necessary. You can reach us by phone or through our online contact form to discuss your case and hear your options for pursuing compensation.
