During a regular commute in San Diego, you suddenly ‘wake up’ at your exit with zero recollection of how you got there. You just don’t remember the last two miles. If this happens to you, you are not alone. Scientists estimate that our minds wander roughly 70% of our driving time. We might be driving physically, but the mind is wandering. This may lead to a crash.
If you say you weren’t paying attention, it won’t act as a legal defense. Even if it does, it will be complicated.
- What science says: when daydreaming becomes dangerous
Human brains are designed to zone out. It is called the ‘default mode network’. We slip into this mental state when we are not actively focused on a task. This is almost inevitable on San Diego’s freeways. These are very familiar routes, where the brain hardly needs to engage. This is kind of an autopilot mode on four wheels, isn’t it?
However, the problem is that autopilot mode works great until it doesn’t. Traffic doesn’t cooperate at all times. You may overlook the changing light or a speeding car on the rear side. Or, you may take the exit that you didn’t need to take and swerve back, clipping another car. You may miss the sudden stop for the construction work and bump into another car.
What does the law say?
Search online to find a “car accident attorney near me” in San Diego for such a case. The California Vehicle Code requires drivers always to maintain proper control of their vehicles. Mental wandering is classified under ‘negligent driving’ or ‘inattentive driving’.
- Distraction is the root cause
Courts in San Diego distinguish between different types of mental distraction. For internal distractions like mind wandering and daydreaming, you are fully liable as you lost focus while driving. There may be external distractions, such as billboards, other cars, or scenery. Though these generate sympathy, drivers must maintain their focus on the road. Again, cognitive overload may occur in very stressful situations. This is close to the ‘sudden emergency’ law, but it needs a high bar to clear. In the majority of cases, daydreaming falls into the ‘internal distraction’ category.
- What happens after a daydreaming crash?
After the crash, you will be found at fault. Your insurance rates will go up. In case someone is injured, you will have higher liability claims. Admitting that you were not paying attention could be used against you in court. You can consult an experienced car accident lawyer from hhjtrialattorneys.com in such cases. However, if you are at fault and the other driver’s attorney brings out valid points, you don’t have much to do.
Summing it up
We may be safe drivers, trying to keep all aspects under control. However, mental distraction cannot always be avoided. However, it is quite unsafe to let your mind wander on San Diego’s busy roads. As you know, there are maximum chances of crashes with a little negligence. And the law here has no mercy for negligent or absent-minded drivers.