[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-can-12-seconds-help-you-avoid-an-accident\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-can-12-seconds-help-you-avoid-an-accident\/","headline":"How Can 12 Seconds Help You Avoid an Accident?","name":"How Can 12 Seconds Help You Avoid an Accident?","description":"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...","datePublished":"2024-11-13","dateModified":"2026-04-21","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/kenbernard\/#Person","name":"Ken Bernard","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/kenbernard\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c8989e3a6ded75e4fe0fae6e90fc6dfec65eaf7676e8cefa113ad6e8e2d6c66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c8989e3a6ded75e4fe0fae6e90fc6dfec65eaf7676e8cefa113ad6e8e2d6c66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","width":300,"height":109}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/safe-driving.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/safe-driving.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-can-12-seconds-help-you-avoid-an-accident\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sFMBPlwcEv4#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sFMBPlwcEv4","name":"Car Accident Testimonial -  Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","description":"For more about car accident cases, visit: https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/car-accident-lawyer\/\n__________________________________\nSherrod & Bernard, P.C. - Personal Injury Lawyers in Douglasville\n8470 Price Ave \nDouglasville, GA 30134\nPhone: (770) 920 - 8350\nwww.sherrodandbernard.com","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/sFMBPlwcEv4\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/sFMBPlwcEv4\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/sFMBPlwcEv4\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/sFMBPlwcEv4\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/sFMBPlwcEv4\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2024-02-16T20:13:26+00:00","duration":"PT38S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sFMBPlwcEv4","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w","name":"Sherrod and Bernard","description":"When you are in a legal bind, you need an experienced attorney you can count on to provide you with skilled representation and sound legal counsel. Every lawyer under the sun will tell you that he or she is the right person for the job, but you need a firm backed with a successful track record. You need the firm of Sherrod & Bernard, serving the Douglasville area.\n\nAfter attending the University of Georgia together, attorneys John Sherrod and Ken Bernard founded the law firm of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. in 1992. From the very beginning, the goal of our firm has been to provide each and every client with the quality personal service and skilled representation they deserve. You can count on our work ethic and our commitment to our clients.\n\nYou need a highly skilled attorney to successfully resolve your legal issues. One of our lawyers can help. Schedule a free consultation by calling our Douglasville office at 770-920-8350.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/uK-5K9pyHHwlk4D1Wclej9JOOudzsipnxVRsoc1u0fyFTl1Ykw0P1mMXhCw6PbtfZAwzpbuF_A=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sFMBPlwcEv4#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sFMBPlwcEv4#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sFMBPlwcEv4&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=sFMBPlwcEv4#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":1285}]]},"about":["Auto Accident"],"wordCount":1028,"articleBody":"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.\u00a0.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\u2019t mean you should scan for at least 12 seconds \u2013 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\u2019 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\u2019re 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\u2019t 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\u2019t 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\u2019t 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 vehiclesPedestriansVehicles turning aheadUpcoming turns or merging lanesTraffic lights and warning signsConstruction sitesPotential 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.\ufeffAre There Other Driving Habits That Can Help Keep You Safe?Safe driving isn\u2019t just a singular task \u2013 it\u2019s 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\u2019t 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\u2019t speed. Speeding can get you a ticket and is responsible for nearly a quarter of fatal car accidents in Georgia annually.Don\u2019t 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\u2019t 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 LawyerThe 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\u2019ve been injured in a collision caused by someone else\u2019s 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 34 years, and our attorneys have over 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 \u201cnice and warm,\u201d \u201cdown to earth,\u201d and \u201cvery helpful and friendly.\u201dOur dedicated lawyers handle every part of your claim \u2500 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.Visit Our Georgia Car Accident Law Offices\ufeff"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How Can 12 Seconds Help You Avoid an Accident?","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-can-12-seconds-help-you-avoid-an-accident\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]