Jediná vteřina Documentary Explores Fatal Driver Distractions in Czech Cinemas
A single second of distraction behind the wheel can permanently alter lives, according to the new documentary film Jediná vteřina (A Single Second) by director Vít Klusák. Garáž.cz reported that the 88-minute film premiered in Czech cinemas on October 27, 2026, following a screening at the Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival. TVGURU.cz noted that the project will debut on the streaming platform Oneplay on November 15, just 19 days after its theatrical release. The new documentary focuses on real-life stories that actually happened and in which a single decision led to tragedy.
The film serves as a loose continuation of Klusák’s 2021 documentary 13 minut, which focused on speeding and aggressive driving. While the earlier project targeted severe traffic violations, Jediná vteřina examines everyday driving habits that motorists often view as routine. According to Seznam Zprávy, these include glancing at mobile phones, fatigue, failing to maintain safe distances, and starting prematurely at intersections.
Four Real-Life Case Studies of Preventable Tragedies
The documentary tracks four specific cases where ordinary driving decisions led to fatal outcomes. In the first case, Jirka, an active driver, drove faster than permitted, looked into his phone, and overlooked two pedestrians on a crosswalk, killing them. He spent 15 months in prison and now speaks about how the event scarred him. In the second case, Julie failed to brake in time for a traffic queue, causing a crash that cost her daughter Nela her arm. A third segment follows Rado, a young driver in a borrowed sports car who accelerated into an intersection on an amber light and collided with a delivery courier on a scooter.
Therapeutic Interventions and Staged Reconstructions
Director Vít Klusák employs a distinct methodological approach to examine the psychology behind the crashes. Furthermore, the production stages dramatic reconstructions of the accidents using actors, placing the actual drivers directly inside the scenes at the exact moment before impact to confront their past decisions. Unlike the typical illustrative passages frequently used by Netflix documentaries, these scenes are not merely intended to decorate or intensify the material; instead, the filmmakers lead the actual perpetrators directly inside those situations to confront their past. This dynamic is illustrated when Rado accuses the man on the scooter in the middle of the intersection—whom his Mercedes is moments away from striking at a speed exceeding the limit—of insulting him, causing the reconstruction to grow into a chilling interaction. In contrast, Tomáš apologizes to the Spanish student Eva, whom he killed, telling her that he tries to be a good person and make amends for his tragic mistake.
Zdravotnický deník highlighted the long-term psychological and physical burdens borne by both victims and perpetrators, noting that a person who injures or kills someone in a crash may face shock, feelings of guilt, and fears of how to live with the awareness of the caused harm alongside their own health consequences. Meanwhile, crisis interventionist Jana Mottlová noted that perpetrators frequently experience severe shock, guilt, and trauma, though seeking psychological help remains uncommon among at-fault drivers in the Czech Republic. The long-term consequences of traffic accidents, months of rehabilitation, permanent limitations on self-sufficiency, and psychological treatment are further illustrated by the true story of Mrs. Julie, whose daughter lost an arm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jediná vteřina
Where can viewers watch Jediná vteřina after its theatrical run?
The documentary becomes available on the streaming platform Oneplay on November 15, 2026, following its October theatrical release.
What prevention campaign is connected to the film?
The film was produced as part of the Czech Insurance Association’s preventive campaign titled “Normální řízení zabíjí” (Normal Driving Kills).
Which previous film by Vít Klusák addressed road safety?
Klusák previously directed the 2021 documentary 13 minut, which focused on excessive speed and dangerous behavior on Czech roads.
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