Drivers are always told that they should avoid distractions. But, have you ever stopped to think about the one major hazard that’s erected on the side of almost every major roadway in this country? That hazard is billboards.
While billboards are an effective advertising tool, they can be very distracting for drivers. This is especially true when those vibrant advertisements are on digital billboards. The ads on those digital boards change often, usually at a rate of every six to eight seconds.
Why are digital billboards hazardous?
One of the primary reasons for digital billboards being so distracting is that they have very bright colors and other gimmicks to attract attention. It’s possible that drivers become so enthralled by the advertisement that they stop paying attention to potential road hazards.
In 2007, the Federal Highway Administration approved these digital billboards, but there was a catch. They can’t have ads that change more often than every four seconds. These are usually placed in high-traffic areas so they have the most attention, but that also makes them very distracting because drivers should be paying attention to what’s going on in traffic.
Unfortunately, crashes that are the result of a distracted driver, including one who’s checking out the digital billboard advertisements, can be serious. Anyone who’s suffered a catastrophic injury due to one of these wrecks should ensure they get medical care and explore their right to seek compensation. You only have a short period to get the claim filed in Georgia, so don’t wait too long to get this done.
