Distracted Driving: The Multitasking Myth!
Distracted driving led to over 3,000 motor vehicle crash deaths in 2014. The human brain cannot actually preform driving and talking on the phone simultaneously. In actuality, the brain switches between focusing on driving and on the phone. Both tasks require active thinking on the part of the brain, which is why the mind cannot focus on the two. This leads to a slower reaction for the phone conversation, but more importantly on the road. This is called the multitasking myth, and many drivers fall prey to it. Sadly, this leads to many dangerously distracted drivers.
Hands Free Doesn’t Mean Danger Free
Drivers often attempt to cheat the multitasking myth by using a hands-free device, like a Bluetooth ear piece. In fact, many cars even have built into systems to allow hands-free phone calls. While using Bluetooth is safer than holding the phone—it is still not safe enough. Drivers who talk on their cellphones can miss up to 50 percent of the elements in their driving environment. Such things as red lights, other cars, and pedestrians. As you can imagine, this lowered attention often leads to crashes due to delays in braking and missing traffic signals.
Phone Calls & Voice Messaging
Many drivers will avoid using their phone on the road, and at stop lights use their phones briefly. However, this too is unsafe. In the short period of time a driver spends looking at their phone pulls their attention from the road. Even after the phone is hung up, or the message is sent—drivers are still distracted. AAA preformed a study that found that people are distracted for up to 27 seconds after they finish sending a voice text. Voice texts take less focus to send than a phone call, so the delay after talking on the phone is potentially longer than 27 seconds. Voice messaging can also be distracting while sending the text as well. Aside from being mentally distracted by deciding what to say, drivers are often distracted by the all too common due, and sometimes humorous auto correct errors.
Texting and Distracted Driving
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do on the road. It draws more attention from the road than phone calls and voice texts. Many times drivers are looking at their screen for at least five seconds. That may seem like a short amount of time, but in reality a car can travel at least the length of a football field even at relatively low speeds in just 5 seconds. That short period of time is still enough time to cause an accident that could harm many drivers on the road. Texting is probably the greatest contributor to distracted driving.
Many drivers fall for the multitasking myth. Distracted driving is a real danger to all drivers on the road, and using these tips can help drivers maintain focus on the road. However even if drivers are careful, accidents happen. Here at H&K Insurance Agency we can help you find the right auto insurance policy for you and your family. Contact us for more information on our auto, home, life, and business insurance.
