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Auto & Vehicle Accidents

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It’s Mental! How The Brain’s Reaction Time Affects Car Crash Risk

You're driving down the road, maybe you're headed to work or the grocery store, but it's a drive you do often. You are a little bored with the drive, so you're thinking of your weekend plans. Suddenly, a car swerves right in front of you and into your lane. What happens next?

This will depend on your brain's reaction time. How long will it take you to take your foot off the accelerator and hit the brakes? If you have a fast reaction time, you may be able to stop and get out the way before the crash. If your reaction time is slow, a Missouri car accident may be inevitable.

It is very hard to measure brain reaction time. In fact, scientists don't know what the "average" brain reaction time is while driving. But, they believe that a 0.7 second brain reaction time is optimal under the best conditions. However, most of us don't have optimal reactions because there are many factors that affect brain reaction time.

Factors that affect brain reaction time:

Age - Reaction time tends to decrease with age.

Gender - Some studies show that women take slightly longer to react than men.

Urgency - A sense of urgency or danger will decrease reaction time.

How easy it is to see the danger - Reaction time increases when it is hard to see, for example at night or under stormy conditions.

Physical disability - Many physical disabilities can affect reaction time.

Impairment by drugs, alcohol, or medication - The use of any of these substances may slow reaction time

Mental load and distraction - A driver who is distracted or deep in thought may need more time to react.
Some of these factors, such as age and disability, cannot be controlled. However, drivers can avoid impairment and distraction while driving.

If you have been injured in a Missouri traffic accident, you may want to discuss your case with a Missouri personal injury lawyer. You may be eligible for monetary damages. The Platte County, MO auto accident lawyers at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys help victims of Missouri car accidents get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. To learn more, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 888-348-2616.

For information about the rights of Missouri accident victims, download a free copy of our book, 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim.

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Auto & Vehicle Accidents

• Why are research and statistics that look at gender differences among drivers important? If I am hurt in an Independence, MO car accident, do the research and statistics matter?

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