Flattmann Law's One-Second Rule Could Save Your Life

Everyone has heard of the five-second rule, but have you ever heard of Flattmann Law's One-Second Rule?

Probably not, because we just made it up. The good news is that following this simple rule may help you avoid one of the most dangerous types of accidents we see on Louisiana roads.

The rule itself is simple. When you are stopped at a red light and the light turns green, resist the urge to immediately accelerate through the intersection. Instead, take just one second to look in every direction for vehicles that may not be stopping for their red light.

That's it.

One second.

It sounds simple, but you might be surprised how many drivers move through intersections almost entirely on autopilot. They assume other drivers will obey traffic signals, stop signs, and the rules of the road. Unfortunately, that assumption is not always correct.

Every day, drivers run red lights because they are distracted, impaired, looking at their phones, or simply trying to beat the light. When those mistakes happen, the results can be devastating, especially when they lead to T-bone collisions in intersections.

Practicing defensive driving means accepting a simple reality: while we cannot control what other drivers do, we can control how prepared we are when they make mistakes.

Where Else Can the One-Second Rule Be Applied?

Although we originally thought about this rule in the context of traffic lights, the same principle applies anytime you are entering a roadway from a stopped position.

That includes intersections controlled by stop signs, pulling out of a driveway, leaving a parking lot, or entering a busy highway from a side street.

In each of those situations, taking an extra moment to observe your surroundings and evaluate the actions of other drivers may significantly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.

"I Already Look Both Ways." Should I Still Follow This Rule?

Absolutely.

Most of us have been taught since childhood to look both ways before entering an intersection, and many people do so automatically without even thinking about it. The problem is that habits are often performed with very little conscious thought.

You may physically turn your head to the left and right, but is your brain actually processing what it is seeing?

The purpose of the One-Second Rule is to turn that habit into a conscious exercise in defensive driving.

For example, your eyes may notice a pickup truck approaching the intersection, but are you actively considering whether the truck is slowing down? Is it traveling too fast to stop safely? Does it appear that the driver even sees the red light?

By intentionally taking a moment to process those possibilities, your brain begins to anticipate danger rather than simply react to it.

Sometimes that extra second may be the difference between safely crossing an intersection and becoming the victim of a serious crash.

Remember, practicing defensive driving remains one of the best ways to avoid accidents on Louisiana roads.

Were You Practicing Defensive Driving But Still Injured in an Accident?

Unfortunately, even the safest drivers cannot prevent every accident.

If you have been injured in a car wreck despite doing everything right, we would be happy to answer your questions and discuss your options during a free consultation.

Call our office at 985-590-6182 to learn more.

We represent clients throughout St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Washington Parish, and communities across the Northshore including Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, Hammond, and Madisonville.