Along with drinking alcohol and being distracted while driving, researchers have recently found that a person’s heart beat can slow their reaction time and their likelihood of being involved in a crash. A new study concluded that drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident if they confront an obstacle at the same time that their heart beats.
About the Study
A research team from the University of Sussex created a virtual reality driving game to determine how heart pace could influence a driver’s reaction time. As the participants virtually drove across the road, a variety of obstacles would be placed in their path during a heartbeat or between two heartbeats.
Study Findings
Researchers found that when the obstacles arose at the same time as the heartbeats, the participants’ heartbeats were slower. Researchers opined that this was due to an increased excitement in the participants that caused the heart to beat faster. When this occurred, the participants’ reaction time was disrupted. Additionally, the participants were more likely to be involved in a virtual accident.
Another interesting finding was that heartbeats could influence a person’s memory capacity. If a person is shown a number of words, he or she is more likely to forget the words that were shown at the same time as the person’s heartbeat.
The study showed the connection between heartbeats and their effect on cognitive function.
Help for Accident Victims
While the study findings are novel, they add one additional layer of information that personal injury lawyers may need to consider when investigating the cause of an accident. Based on the study, a person can infer that individuals with medical conditions that speed up their heart rate or who take medication that causes an increased heart rate may be more at risk for causing accidents.
If you were injured in a car accident in Texas that you suspect was caused by the other driver’s negligence, it is important that you consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can advise you of your legal rights and options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your path to recovery.
