While most of us understand how distracting texting — or checking our cell phone — can be when driving, a new article takes an interesting look at how cell phones can distract drivers even when they’re stopped at a traffic light or making a hands-free call.
When it comes to driving, the author makes a good point: safe and attentive driving is like a three-legged stool — eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and mind on driving. If you take away one leg of that stool — attentive driving — you’re not driving safely.
A study by the U.S. Department of Transportation notes that texting is the most distracting activity and takes your eyes off the road the longest. But recent studies also show that talking on the phone — even using a hands-free phone — takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Listening to an audio book or podcast was found to be less distracting and can be helpful on long drives because they keep your mind engaged.
If you do plan to use your cell phone to listen to a podcast or for navigation purposes, researchers recommend setting that up prior to driving. And to keep your self from being distracted by the pings of texts or emails or social media messages? Turn off notifications.
The article shares a number of interesting findings from various studies about distracted driving and even examines how automated features (like cruise control, automatic braking, mirrors that alert you to vehicles in your blind spot) can contribute to drivers being less attentive. It’s worth spending a few minutes to read the article and share it with friends so that all of us have a clearer picture of how distracting our technologies can be.
