Related: The Dangers of Distracted Driving
The multitasking myth
According to John Ulczycki with the National Safety Council, “Multitasking is a myth.” Humans cannot multitask because the human brain is incapable of multitasking. However, our brains process information quickly so it can jump from one task to another very quickly. This makes it seem like we can multitask. An example of this is when a driver uses a cell phone while driving. They will either process the information in the conversation or they will process driving information, but not both. This is what makes texting and driving so dangerous.
How can we decrease distracted drivers?
A public service campaign, aimed at distracted drivers, showed that whether you text or talk on a cell phone in your car, “it’s a bomb waiting to go off.” The ad campaign labeled cell phone use in a car as a “weapon of mass distraction.” A driver’s first responsibility is to pay attention to the road. That way, they can react to a sudden situation. Unfortunately, despite all the statistics that prove distracted driving is dangerous, many people still do it. Experts say one way to decrease distracted driving is through laws – enforceable laws. A lot of people won’t change their dangerous behaviors until there are consequences. Hopefully, with more enforcement, distracted drive will decrease and not be a problem anymore.
Related: AT&T Expands “It Can Wait” Campaign Against Distracted Driving
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, it’s not uncommon for me to see drivers looking down at their cell phone while driving. I know it’s tempting to look at your phone when you get a call or text, but it’s dangerous. As responsible American citizens, let’s do our part in making our roadways safe. Let’s drive distraction free and not talk on the phone or texting. It not only impairs our driving, it could cause an accident.